MEMOIR 



OF THE LIFE OF THE 



ibiWq <&ec@s ipiaffliPiaKraHiaiiifls) 



LATE PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL 

CHURCH IN WATERBURY, 

(SALEM) CON. 



By Rev. LUTHER HART, 

Pastor of the Congregational Church in Plymouth, Con. 



WRITTEN FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL 

SOCIETY, AND REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE 

OF PUBLICATION. 






10/U. 



MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOl 
Depository, No,J!4, Cornhill. 



1 S34. 




Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1834, 
By Christopher C. Dean, 

in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



PREFACE. 



It has been well observed by a living writer, whose 
sentiments are generally as just as his style is peculiar, 
that " with respect to any friend who greatly interests 
us, we have always a curiosity to obtain an accurate 
account of the past train of his life and feelings ; and 
though there may be several reasons for such a wish, it 
partly springs from a consciousness how much this 
retrospective knowledge would assist to decide or confirm 
our estimate of that friend — but our estimate of ourselves 
is of more serious consequence." There is, however, no 
reason to doubt that well written biographies, especially 
those of a religious nature, tend more or less directly, 
to effect both important objects, viz. the gratification of 
a reasonable desire to know the utmost of an estimable 
friend, and the attainment of a deeper insight into our 
own character. 

One who has been acquainted with persons whose 
lives have thus been recorded, may justly be allowed to 
take a special interest in such intimate develop ements of 
character and incident ; while at the same time he can- 
not, unless culpably wanting to himself, fail of deriving 
much personal improvement from the knowledge thus 
acquired. Nor is this benefit restricted to the acquaint- 
ance or the friend. Perhaps it is as directly sought, 
and as generally obtained, by that vastly larger class 

of readers, whose original motive for perusing the biog- 
1* 



11 PREFACE. 

raphies in question, cannot have been the offspring of 
previous attachment, or even of previous acquaint- 
ance. 

There never has been a time since the commencement 
of the Christian era, when religious memoirs were not 
highly acceptable to God's people. At present, it is 
questionable whether this species of wiiting does not 
constitute nearly one half of the sacred literature which 
is daily issuing from the press. And it speaks well for 
its utility, not merely that it is most read by those who 
are most eminent for their piety, and is called for so 
generally in all Protestant lands ; but that the demand 
for it should be cotemporaneous with much spirituality 
and perhaps uncommon intelligence, in the church. 
Everv pious mind bears such an affinity to every other, 
that all which is peculiar, and much which is common, 
in the private experience and pilgrimage of one, must be 
interesting, and therefore calculated to be profitable, to 
all who are travelling the same thorny road to the same 
ultimate inheritance. Among those Christians who 
read any thing, thgre are few who have not derived 
spiritual advantage from memoirs of pious persons, in 
the form of floating Tracts, Sabbath school publications, 
or the more formal volumes of larger size. So that in 
adding to the existing stock of religious biography, the 
following sketch of the life and character of an able and 
eminently godly minister of Christ, it is believed that 
there is nothing in the circumstances, taste or habits of 
the Christian public, which should forbid the attempt. 

So much of the ensuing Memoir as relates to the first 
half of Mr. Pettengill's life, is taken chiefly from a Nar- 
rative which, at the request of a friend, he himself drew 



PREFACE. Ill 

up shortly after he left college. And this account, pre- 
pared mainly fVom a Diary which he had kept for sev- 
eral years, is characterized by the very properties — 
judicious selection, frankness of disclosure, and simplicity 
of manner — which are recommended by the celebrated 
Foster. The chief design of the writer, together with 
some other interesting particulars, may be learnt from 
the following remarks prefixed to the Narrative. 

" Dear Friend, 

" As you requested some account of my past life, I 
have at length concluded to write more, perhaps, than 
you will be willing to read. You are sensible of the 
difficulty which attends writing, when one's self is the 
theme. A degree of egotism seems almort unavoid- 
able. Pride and affectation of humility, may uncon- 
sciously operate to lead the writer into improprieties. 
So sensible am I of these and other disagreeable things 
of the kind, that I should not attempt writing this Nar- 
rative, did I not consider myself addressing one whose 
candor will throw a veil over every impropriety, and 
attribute the production to its real cause. If I am not 
mistaken in this respect, an apology will be unnecessa- 
ry ; but if I am, it would be useless. 

"You will perceive that my design is to illustrate by 
facts the pernicious effects of bad company and amuse- 
ments ; to show the depravity of the human heart, and 
the danger of being deceived by false zeal and enthusi- 
astic raptures ; to give some instances of the happy ef- 
fects of fixed resolutions, and a persevering spirit ; and 
to mention the goodness of God, that the remarkable 
manner in which I have been supported through the 
dark scenes of my past life, may lead you to put your 
trust in him, believing in a particular providence. 



IV PREFACE. 

" But let not my ingratitude, my negligence, coldness 
and formality, lead you to expect the blessings of God 
without being engaged in his service. Though he 
should continue to bestow temporal favors on us, yet 
these may be far different from covenant blessings. If 
such instances of divine goodness do not render us hum- 
ble and grateful, they certainly will serve to fit us for 
destruction. When I take a view of my past life and 
the present exercises of my mind, I at times greatly fear 
the goodness of God has had a hardening influence on 
me. I have frequently thought that I felt reconciled to 
God, and shall give you some particulars of such exer- 
cises ; but still this account may serve merely to show 
how far the subtle adversary and my own deceitful heart 
may counterfeit real religion. Still, I hope I have 
some real holiness of heart ; but shall not attempt to 
specify the time, when I passed from death unto life. I 
shall relate many exercises, which I now fully believe 
were mere delusions ; and will leave it with you to form 
what opinion you please respecting the whole. It will 
be no advantage to me to deceive you respecting my 
moral character. The time is not far distant when the 
secrets of my heart will be known to the universe. 

" As I have just finished my collegiate course, I desire 
your prayers that God may continue his mercy, and use 
me as an insti-ument of building up* his church in the 
world, and keep me from deceiving myself or others. 

September, 1805." 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Page. 
Birth. Want of early advantages for learning. His great at- 
tention to the Bible. Enthusiastic raptures. His return to 
thoughtlessness. His fondness for loose company. His 
expedient to wean himself from it. Reads religious 
books. His former raptures return. They again subside. 
His superstitious appeal to Heaven. His salutary disap- 
pointment. Ignorance of his heart. Thinks himself a 
Christian, and desires to qualify himself for the ministry. 
His plan to ascertain whether he is designed for the 
office. It fails. Seeks seclusion. Greatly needs inter- 
course with Christians. His father dies, and leaves him 
without patrimony. Engages in hard labor, to gain the 
means of acquiring an education. Is corrupted by his 
fellow-laborers. ...... 9 



CHAPTER II. 

Enters Atkinson Academy. Is again led astray. Retires to 
a farm. Is in a state of deep declension. His applica- 
tion of a former dream. Enters Exeter Academy. De- 
votes himself to religion and learning. Labors for the 
spiritual good of the students. Social worship in his 
room. Prays in his mother's family. Conducts religious 
meetings in his native town. His proceedings misrepre- 
sented. His health impaired. Leaves the academy. Re- 
turns in better health. Instances of the kindness of Pro- 
vidence. ....... 39 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

Page. 
Enters Harvard college. His severe task as a waiter. His 

health fails. Kept from sinking by the impression that 
he is designed for the ministry. Laxity of opinions and 
morals in college. Establishes a religious meeting. La. 
bors to reform some religious students. Bold in re- 
proving the vicious. Rebukes them separately and 
mildly. Defends truth whenever attacked. His bodily 
maladies severe. Respected as a scholar. Receives much 
pecuniary aid. His sense of obligation. - 59 

CHAPTER IV. 

Various extracts from his Diary, more fully disclosing his 
labors, and the different states of his mind, while in Col- 
lege. .... 

CHAPTER V. 

After taking his degree, he journeys for his health. Returns 
to Cambridge. Engages in the study of divinity. Shortly 
afterwards is licensed. Reasons for it. Supplies the 
pulpit in Londonderry. Goes on a mission. Returns, and 
receives ordination. Enters on a second mission. His 
installation at Champlain. Description of the scene. De- 
scent of the Spirit on the occasion. His freedom from 
mercenary views. Extract from a sermon. Meets with 
opposition. Answer to an anonymous letter. A revival. 
Con?ersion of Mr. Ashmun. His attention to the im 
provement of the youth. Multiplied labors. His be- 
reavement. Letter to Gen. W. Difficulties arise from 
the prospect of war. Leaves his people. Petition to the 
governor of New York. - - - - - 116 

CHAPTER VI. 

Letter relating to Mr P. while at Champlain. Enters on a 
third mission. Received everywhere with kindness. Helps 
to repress the evils of war. Visits his own people. His 



CONTENTS. Vll 

Page. 

kindness to the sick in the camp and among his parish, 
icners. Goes on a fourth mission. Extracts from his 
Journal. Dreadful sickness continues. Extract from a 
sermon. Leaves the mission. Preaches at Shoreham 
Declines settling there. Preaches two years at Man- 
chester. Chooses not to settle. Serviceable to other 
churches. Publishes a dissertation. Concern for his 
people at Champlain. - - - - - 151 

CHAPTER VII. 

Leaves Manchester. Visits South Farms. Invited to settle. 
Dismissed from his flock at Champlain. Installation. 
Is much among his people. Series of sermons. Pupils 
from the Sandwich Islands. Revival. Descrip'ion of an 
evening meeting. Loses a child. Troubles in his parish. 
Council called. Temperance address Increase of com- 
motion. Meeting of Consociation. Difficulties continue. 
His dismission. ...... 177 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Removes from the scene of controversy. Preaches at Salem. 
Invited to settle. Accepts the call, but defers settlement. 
Is installed. His situation desirable. Superintends a 
school. His attention to astronomy. Publishes a manual 
on the subject. Invents the Stellarota. Description\,of 
the instrument. Successful in his school. Laborious in 
his parish. Revival of religion. The work is checked. 
Feels for the church in Champlain. His attention to 
the subject of prophecy. The two witnesses. Sermon 
on the seventh trumpet. Chart of prophecy. Last in- 
terview with Mr. Ashmun. Letter to the father of Mr. A. 199 

CHAPTER IX. 

Extracts from his correspondence with some of his near rela- 
tions. ....... 224 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER X. 

Page. 
His health declines. Account of hia last sickness. His death. 
Funeral. Summary view of his character as a man — a 
student — a preacher — a rjastor — a Christian. Conclusion. 344 



\ 



VIEMOIR 



XX. If 

OF TH 

REV. AMOS PE1 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth. Want of early advantages for learning. His great attention 
to the Bible. Enthusiastic raptures. His return to thoughtless- 
ness. His fondness for loose company. His expedient to 
wean himself from it. Reads religious bonks. His former 
raptures return. They again subside. His superstitious ap- 
peal to Heaven. His salutary disappointment. Ignorance of 
his heart. Thinks himself a Christian, and desires to qualify 
himself for the ministry. His plan to asce rtain whether he is 
designed for the office. It fails. Seeks seclusion. Greatly 
needs intercourse with Christians. His father dies, and leaves 
him without patrimony. Engages in hard labor, to gain the 
means of acquiring an education. Is corrupted by his fellow- 
laborers. 

Amos Pettengill was bom at Salem, New 
Hampshire, Aug. 9, 1780. Of a family of eight 
children, he was the sixth. His parents, though 
once in affluent circumstances, were reduced to a 
degree of poverty, in his early childhood. Of his 
father he has recorded little ; but from what he 
relates concerning the assiduous efforts of his 
mother to imbue his mind with religious truth, and 
also to guard him against evil company and other 
causes that might counteract its influence, it 
2 



10 MEMOIR OF 

would seem that she was a person of good under- 
standing, and decided piety. She took unwearied 
pains to cultivate his mind, and to give him a just 
sense of divine things ; but as there was no 
school in the vicinity except during the winter 
seasons, when, for the want of suitable clothing, 
he could not attend, eleven years of his life passed 
away, before he was able to read with any tolera- 
ble degree of correctness and ease. Not that 
his solicitous parent was wanting in her efforts to 
initiate him in the art of reading, but that they 
were rendered in a great measure abortive by an 
early dislike to his book, occasioned in the first 
instance, by a partial defect in his organs of 
speech, which rendered articulation somewhat 
difficult, and afterwards, by an unfounded but 
strong impression on his own mind, that his men- 
tal powers were of a very humble cast. 

From this state of self-distrust and discourage- 
ment he was effectually roused in his twelfth 
year, by listening to the reading of an inspired 
narrative which, in point of simplicity^^iderness 
and interest, has scarcely an equal in the Bible 
itself, and is altogether without a parallel in any 
other book. It was the history of Joseph. While 
meditating upon its charms not long afterwards, 
he instantly formed a determination " to read the 
Bible through five times." Nor was this the 



AMOS PE (TENGILL. 1 1 

freak of a hasty spirit excited to momentary effort 
by the blind impulse of a feeling that did not sur- 
vive the formation of the purpose which it had 
originated. The happy result of this singular 
resolution, proves it to have been the offspring of 
a mind possessed of extraordinary force, and su- 
periority to the difficulties which he had to encoun- 
ter. He entered upon his task forthwith, and, 
by spelling many of the words, and by seeking as- 
sistance as to those which he could not master by 
this process, he succeeded in perusing the whole 
volume, in twelve weeks. This, as it is seldom 
done by the best of adult readers, is a remarkable 
instance of a juvenile mind forming a noble pur- 
pose, and carrying it into effect, in spite of diffi- 
culties of a very formidable character. Nor is it 
less creditable to his moral susceptibility, than to 
his understanding, that he was stimulated in his 
task as much by the deep interest which the sa- 
cred pages awakened in his mind, as by the influ- 
ence of his original resolution. And instead of 
being satisfied with the accomplishment of his un- 
dertaking, he perused the whole Bible again and 
again. Attracted by its sublime descriptions, 
glowing images, and general import, he continued 
to read it in course, until, within less than five 
years, he had read it through six times. 

By being thus his own teacher, he contracted 



12 MEMOIR OF 

the habit of reading excessively fast, and of mis- 
pronouncing many words, — faults which it cost 
him much subsequent labor to correct. These 
evils however were altogether overbalanced by 
other results exceedingly advantageous. For the 
secret of his uncommon eminence in biblical 
knowledge during the whole of his ministry, lay 
very much in his having thus early and assiduous- 
ly devoted himself to the study of the holy scrip- 
tures. Indeed he remarks in his Narrative, " I 
have always considered it a very happy circum- 
stance that the Bible is the first book I read ; for 
on this account, the principal parts of it were 
strongly fixed in my mind." 

But his diligence in perusing the sacred writings 
will appear still more surprising, if it be consider- 
ed that during a great part of the five years in 

hich he was no laudably employed, he was 
placed in a situation unfavorable to his beloved 
pursuit. Removed from his mother, who would 
have countenanced his thirst for sacred know- 
ledge, and afforded him nameless facilities for 
acquiring it, he was employed as " a servant boy 
to inconsiderate masters," at whose hands he 
" suffered much from hunger, cold and fatigue," — 
three evils whose necessary effect on the mind 
must have been such, as to render his constant 
resort to to the scriptures most extraordinary. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 13 

For, long after he began to read the word of God, 
he took no interest in its truths as a personal 
concern. Spiritual emotions were dormant within 
him. Speaking of the former part of this period, 
he observes, " it was a long time before I had 
any realizing sense of the importance of this sa- 
cred book." He was bound by the spell of natu- 
ral feeling based on good sense. How lively, 
then, must have been his apprehension of all that 
is so inimitably tender, beautiful and sublime in 
the revelation of God, that at so early a period of 
life, and notwithstanding the repulsion of circum- 
stances so peculiarly forbidding, he should have 
persevered in his sacred researches, for the pur- 
pose of gratifying his natural taste ? 

He had never attempted to pray, till he reached 
his twelfth year ; and then he called upon God 
only by reciting a form which he had committed 
to memory ; and even of that form he made no 
use, except on certain occasions, when his mind 
was affected by the dread of a thunder storm, 
the apprehension of an earthquake, or some other 
kind of danger. Speaking of that portion of his 
life which preceded the period just mentioned, he 
says, " I learned the Assembly's catechism, and 
several of Watts's hymns. These I often repeat- 
ed without any sense of their import ; but found 
them useful in more advanced life. In this early 
2* 



!4 MEMOIR OF 

period I felt great anxiety to know something of 
God, Christ, the use of prayer, &c. but did not 
know that it would be proper to ask. Besides, 
when others talked to me about religion, they 
would mention death and hell in such connexions 
as made me unwilling to hear. My heart was 
undoubtedly opposed to God; yet if his name 
had been often mentioned pleasantly, in connexion 
with the beauties of nature, the innocent delights 
of life, and the joys of heaven, I have no doubt 
that I should have taken pleasure, from the prin- 
ciple of association, in hearing, conversing and 
thinking about divine things." 

But the perusal of the Bible, which for a long 
time he prosecuted only for the purpose of inform- 
ing his mind and gratifying his sensibility, un- 
doubtedly became the means, sometime before 
the sixth reading was completed, of drawing his 
attention to the concerns of his soul. This was 
followed not long afterwards, by a class of emo- 
tions of a rapturous, but at the same time, of a 
very questionable kind. While he was one day 
alone, and carelessly repeating part of a hymn 
which ascribed glory to the Lamb, he became at 
once the subject of a ravishing impression which 
it was utterly impossible for him fully to describe. 
" I had no sense of sin, nor fear of hell ; but 
thought I saw such ineffable beauty in the Sav- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 15 

iour, that I could forever delight in praising him. 
Had I lived where it was customary to relate ex- 
periences, I should probably have related many 
striking things ; and the relation would have fixed 
them in my mind. Perhaps however it is best 
that I forgot the greater part. I remember that 
the thoughts of a future world occupied much 
of my attention, day and night. I spent con- 
siderable time after this, in secret prayer, and 
often valued myself on this account. I have 
little reason to think I had that humbling sense of 
sin, which is peculiar to those who have submit- 
ted to God. I know I felt differently from what 
I did before ; and one morning as I was observing 
this, and wondering at the cause, it was suddenly 
suggested to my mind, You are a Christian ! This 
gave me great joy. I did not even think this 
suggestion might be from the adversary of souls. 
Alas ; how many are deceived in this way !" 

From this account itself, no less than from his 
subsequent feelings and conduct, it would appear 
that he was right in concluding that all this ecsta- 
sy was but the selfish rapture of enthusiasm ; 
wonderful indeed in its degree, and in the sudden- 
ness of its production, but not beyond the power 
of the great deceiver to effect. So long as an 
undue stress is extensively placed on great and 
sudden joy, as the substance and crowning evi- 



16 MEMOIR OF 

dence of regeneration, it will be the policy of the 
wicked one to take advantage of the popular be- 
lief, as one means of producing the instantaneous 
and great exhilaration which attends a large pro- 
portion of spurious conversions. It can hardly 
be doubted that Wesley, notwithstanding all that 
was erroneous in his theological views, and minis- 
terial practice, was the instrument of leading 
great multitudes of sinners to a saving knowledge 
of Christ. But there is reason to believe that of 
their number the majority will be found at the 
last day, among those whom, for the want of a 
sudden and transporting sense of their justifica- 
tion, which he was accustomed to represent as 
an almost indispensable evidence of a spiritual 
transformation, he regarded as being at the best, 
in a doubtful state. Certain it is, that the reputed 
converts of no man were ever more generally 
filled with exultation and confidence ; or ever 
known more extensively to demonstrate after- 
wards, the futility of their religious pretensions. 
The frequent and long wailings of that celebrated 
man over the hundreds and thousands of aposta- 
cies, which were but the natural result of the 
conversions countenanced by his doctrinal views, 
ought to be regarded as proof from a most in- 
teresting quarter, that nothing can be more haz- 
ardous than to regard religious joy, however 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 17 

sudden may be its commencement, or great its 
degree, as being the chief, or if alone, any, evi- 
dence of a saving change of heart. 

That the subject of this Memoir was as yet 
unconverted, and indeed far from conversion, is 
most certain. For although during a few months 
after the commencement of the rapturous emo- 
tions above described, he frequently shed tears 
while reading or hearing religious truth, was much 
grieved to see young people attached to vain 
amusements, wondered why they did not feel as 
he did, and in a word really believed that God 
loved him ; yet he testifies that all this soon 
passed away like the early dew. " I was easily 
prevailed upon to make sport for the careless and 
secure, with whom I was so unhappy as to reside 
at this important period of my life." After de- 
scribing his companions as being rude, and inor- 
dinately fond of evening visits and hurtful amuse- 
ments, he goes on to say, " From a spectator, I 
soon became an actor. By the time I was fifteen 
years old, religious impressions were entirely 
worn from my mind. My heart was captivated 
with the alluring objects around me. Having a 
natural turn for wit, I soon attracted notice. 
Want of propriety operated as a kind of restraint ; 
but still I found that, at the expense of a good 



18 MEMOIR OF 

conscience, I could purchase many forbidden 
pleasures." 

His ever watchful and solicitous mother saw 
his danger, and interposed with the voice of warn- 
ing, and at length, of direct prohibition. But as 
he lived much from home, and therefore could 
easily elude the greater part of her vigilance and 
authority, her efforts to reclaim him were without 
effect. It is his own remark ; " Had she reason- 
ed calmly, instead of absolutely forbidding me to 
go into company, perhaps I might have attributed 
her conduct to better motives." But from the 
manner in which he speaks of her on all other 
occasions, it appears that she was a woman of 
very considerable sagacity and discretion; and 
therefore most probably did employ persuasion, 
till the manifest inefficacy of it necessitated a re- 
sort to positive prohibition. It is then more than 
possible that, in penning this reflection upon the 
proceedings of his anxious parent, his mind was 
yet unconsciously laboring in some measure, un- 
der the effects of the unwelcome impression origi- 
nally, but unjustly, produced by the firm stand 
which the failure of milder means had constrained 
her to take, in order, if possible, to rescue him 
from ruin. 

He continued in this state of thoughtlessness 
and sin about two years. And although an un- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 19 

seen hand restrained him from almost every action 
considered by the world in general as vicious, yet 
a subsequent view of his alarming situation led 
him to exclaim : — ■" the dangers to which I 
was at this time exposed ! I had cast off fear, and 
restrained prayer ; and did not acknowledge God 
in any of my ways. O the goodness of God who 
guided me, though I did not know him ! I should 
soon, very soon, have involved myself in infamy 
and ruin, destroyed my future influence, or laid a 
foundation for perpetual remorse, had not He di- 
verted me while standing on the dangerous preci- 
pice." Much more of a similar import might be 
adduced from the Narrative, to show that his 
former happy frames were, in his own opinion, the 
result of delusion. But further proof is needless. 
And his^ad declension would have been passed 
over with a slighter notice, were it not that this 
account may possibly fall into the hands of some 
who are resting their hopes of salvation on rap- 
tures as unconnected with a sense of guilt, as 
transient and practically useless, as were those of 
this youth who was then, and for years afterwards, 
in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of ini- 
quity. 

But, as is the case with great numbers who go 
with the multitude to do evil, he was not at all 
times wholly destitute of serious reflection. While 



20 MEMOIR OF 

wasting two years in vanity and sin, apparency 
as regardless of eternity as any of his associates, 
it was but occasionally that he experienced the 
quietude of utter insensibility. At the close of 
that period however, various causes which it is 
needless to mention, concurred to bring him back 
more permanently to himself. He was now in a 
state of very considerable anxiety for his soul. 
The influence of his companions served to di- 
minish it in the day time ; but the apprehension 
of some judgment that might send him to hell 
before morning, kept him in misery during much 
of the night. And yet, incredible as it might 
seem, were it not true of many experiencing the 
continual goadings of conscience, he passed on- 
ward under his load of fears and sorrows, with 
no inclination to resort to the throne pf grace. 
Prayer seems to be the natural, and almost neces- 
sary expedient of distress. And yet it is not un- 
frequently the case that the sinner, if he finds that 
the religion which he once thought he possessed is 
a delusion, or if his trouble of mind continues 
long, — is tempted to omit prayer altogether for a 
considerable period, in utter distrust of its impor- 
tance ; and then to sink down into a state of 
passive, if not sullen, endurance. This may ac- 
count for the omission of the duty by the youth in 
question, while for weeks and months he had little 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 21 

rest by day, and was full of anguish by night. 
He had called often upon God on former occa- 
sions, both in the fervors of an intoxicating joy, 
and in a tide of sorrows ; and finding, after all 
his supplications, that his rapture was spurious, 
and his distress of mind greater than ever before, 
he might have desisted from the service from cul- 
pable discouragement. 

There may have been another and more power- 
ful cause of the omission, viz. a sense of the evi- 
dent incompatibility of prayer, with a continued, 
though somewhat diminished familiarity with com- 
panions, whose influence directly tended to hold 
him in a state of condemnation, from which, if he 
approached the throne of grace at all, he must 
necessarily pray to be delivered. For it is cer- 
tain that the most effectual impediment in the 
way of his conversion, was his hitherto unsubdued 
fondness for the society of his thoughtless asso- 
ciates. Of course, to separate himself from them, 
and live as it were alone in the world, (for the 
few Christians around him were, as he represents, 
scarcely distinguished from the rest of the people 
and wholly unacquainted with his state of mind,) 
was the greatest cross that he could assume, next 
to that of yielding his whole heart to the Saviour. 
But heavy and repulsive as it was, he at length 
took it up, under the full conviction that otherwise 
3 






22 MEMOIR OF 

his destruction was inevitable. And it is in- 
teresting to notice the expedient he adopted, when 
about sixteen years old, to facilitate the execution 
of his self-denying purpose. It will be best indi- 
cated in his own language. 

" I had thought it impossible to forego my at- 
tachment to vain company and amusements ; but 
now I resolved with all the power of my soul, to 
extricate myself. Habit however was deep root- 
ed ; I forgot in a few moments my solemn en- 
gagements. In order to prevent this, and to 
operate on myself by encouragement, I wrote 
my resolutions, limited myself to a short time, 
annexed a penalty, and sometimes kept them 
(his resolutions) sealed on my breast. The fol- 
lowing is a part of my first resolution : — ' I obli- 
gate myself to abstain from intimacy with bad 
company ; from saying in a romance way what is 
not strictly true ; from feeling envious towards 
any one ; from saying any thing against any body, 
and from laughing, or trying to make others 
laugh, till the 9th of August.' " It does not appear 
on what day of the preceding month this resolu- 
tion was formed. However, the time having 
expired, the resolution containing some additions, 
particularly the penalty of omitting one meal of 
victuals for every infraction, was renewed for an 
indefinite period. In case of any violation, he 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 23 

dared not to eat, how much soever his hunger 
might have been increased by the rough labors 
of the field. By this means, he gained a sort of 
mechanical mastery over the propensities which 
it was his object to control. Hence he states : — 
" The pains of hunger during my working hours, 
constantly reminded me of my offence, and tended 
to render me more cautious for the future. I 
soon acquired the assistance of habit. My pas- 
sion for company and amusements, my fretful 
and revengeful disposition, and my excessive levi- 
ty, soon gave way. Solitude became more agree- 
able than any company. I could endure any 
insult with calmness, and think I did not smile 
for several months." 

The wonder is, not so much that such severe 
discipline should have had a favorable issue, as 
that a person of his years should have possessed 
sufficient force of character faithfully to administer 
it. Aside from the originality of the measure, it 
is not a little remarkable that he should have been 
so unsparing of himself in both the legislative, 
judicial, and executive departments of self-gov- 
ernment. His success was owing, in part at 
least, to the fact that the pain of the penalty over- 
balanced the gratification by which it was incur- 
red. And if it be asked why he could not in eve- 
ry instance, as easily fulfil his resolution to avoid 



24 MEMOIR OF 

bad company, and thus render self-infliction need- 
less, as be true to his penal determination after 
the sin was committed ; it may be observed that 
in the former case, there was a greater temptation 
to be resisted. For although the pain of hunger 
was unquestionably greater than the pleasure 
which such company afforded ; yet it was easier 
to resist the call of bodily appetite, than the de- 
mand of strong mental passions, excited by the 
fascination of anticipated enjoyment. Hence it 
is obvious that the penal process alone could 
never have accomplished its object. It was ren- 
dered effectual only by being combined with the 
influence of moral considerations. 

It is uncertain how far the principle of self- 
revenge may have been called into action, by a 
mortifying view of his instability, whenever the 
strength of corrupt inclination led him to violate 
his engagement. And further ; being now, and 
for some time afterwards, under the dominion of 
a self-righteous spirit, he was doubtless quickened 
to fidelity in the execution of the penalty upon 
himself, by the soothing apprehension that it in 
some measure atoned for the offence, and render- 
ed him more acceptable in the sight of God. As 
yeU he had seen little of the intrinsic malignity of 
sin, and therefore little of the abominations of his 
own heart. The Lord Jesus Christ, except as 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 25 

indistinctly admitted to be a very exalted and 
very benevolent being, was altogether out of his 
view. He was laboriously building on another 
foundation. In short, he was what in the lan- 
guage of technical theology, has sometimes been 
expressively called a " self-justiciary." 

Although the uncommanded practice of self- 
infliction for moral purposes, has been often car- 
ried to a shocking excess by many a fanatic ; and 
although both by heathens and papists it is still re- 
garded as a full atonement for crime, and a sub- 
stitute for all righteousness ; yet, considering the 
happy effect of it in the present case, it were 
almost to be wished that it was adopted by all 
those, whether young or old, in whom an impetu- 
ous temper, or a passion for bad company, re- 
mains unsubdued. 

Not long after he commenced this disciplinary 
process, he began to derive much pleasure and 
assistance from Baxter's Call to the unconverted, 
Davies' sermons, Hervey's Meditations, and also 
from preaching, of which the parish in which he 
resided, had been destitute for a considerable time 
previous. It was a high gratification to him, that 
he was now " permitted to hear the doctrines of 
the gospel preached in a solemn and impressive 
manner." Under these advantages, and having 
already separated himself from his inconsiderate 
S* 



26 MEMOIR OF 

companions, he soon came again to the conclu- 
sion that he was a child of God. Again too, he 
was the subject of " rapturous impressions" which 
he regarded as " the effect of divine grace." Now 
he could pray once more. And in the delirium 
of transports as delusive, and nearly as ecstatic 
as those of a former period, he sought for remote, 
solitary, and even dreary places, for the purpose 
of prayer and solemn contemplation. At times, 
earthquakes, storms and death, seemed pleasing 
to him ; and though from his earliest years 
he had, especially when alone, suffered greatly 
from the fear of ghosts and evil spirits, he now 
felt no dread of the latter, and even " wished to 
see some angel or departed saint." The mention 
of this fact might well be spared, but that it shows 
that the joys of a spurious experience may be not 
only great, but so great as to overcome fears 
little less than instinctive. Thus, almost intoxi- 
cated with the raptures of religious phrenzy, he 
had, as might well be supposed, a very lofty idea 
of a Christian ; for when has it been known that 
a person in a state of mind so agreeable to him- 
self, and at the same time enjoyed but by com- 
paratively few, has refused to compliment his own 
experience by thinking meanly of another, whom 
he regards as a saint, for the same reason that he 
believes himself to be one ? 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 27 

The natural effect of such enthusiasm, as nota- 
bly exemplified in the case of Davenport, and of 
multitudes besides, is to dispose its subjects to 
overlook the causes of self-distrust and grief, in 
the true children of God, and thus at once to ex- 
clude the majority of hopeful Christians from the 
pale of charity, and produce an extravagant esti- 
mate of the piety of the remainder. Hence the 
reason why this youth at times so exceedingly 
narrowed the scope of his charitable regards for 
Christians in his native town, as to comprehend 
only himself and his minister. And even his 
minister he would have put under the ban of his 
little empire, but that he ignorantly supposed the 
truths delivered from the desk, produced the same 
emotions in the preacher as in himself. " I sup- 
posed he always lived and felt as he preached ; 
and that I should enjoy a heaven on earth, if I 
could live with him. Had I discovered my mis- 
take, I should have been ready to leave all, and 
follow any enthusiastical preacher who might have 
come that way. It seemed to me that if any per- 
son loved Christ, he must be in constant rap- 
tures." 

But as is always the case with natural feelings 
inordinately excited, his raptures cooled, and oc- 
curred only at short and irregular periods. Still 
he remained habitually considerate, conscientious, 



28 MEMOIR OF 

and anxious. In his ignorance of the nature of 
true religion, he concluded that in order to be a 
Christian, he must be willing to renounce all 
worldly good, and even " suffer martyrdom for the 
sake of Christianity ;" thus entirely overlooking, 
in the former case, the congeniality of godliness 
with a temperate enjoyment of the bounties of 
Providence ; and in the latter, appealing to a use- 
less, because undecisive, and at the present day 
impracticable, test of Christian character. 

Nor was he exempt from the charge of super- 
stitiously expecting, that a direct disclosure from 
heaven would be made respecting his moral state, 
by means prescribed by himself. Thus on a cer- 
tain occasion, when the fear of death had regained 
nearly its former dominion over him, and he was 
sunk into a state of great dejection, he " retired to 
.a lonely place and opened his Bible, 5 ' in order to 
ascertain his real standing in the sight of God, 
from the import of the first passage that should 
meet his eye ; — a species of presumption which, 
in innumerable cases, has been punished, perhaps 
judicially, by a result as fatal to the soul, as it 
was agreeable, at the time, to the feelings of the 
irreverent inquirer. What would have been the 
effect of an issue which he was prepared to wel- 
come, there is but too much reason to fear. But 
by the mercy of God, to whom he was a chosen 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 29 

vessel, the passage at which he opened was, " O 
Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee ? Judah, 
what shall I do unto thee 1 for your goodness is 
as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth 
away." 

The mental agony produced by this supposed 
disclosure of his spiritual state, is thus described 
by himself. " This threw me into great distress. 
It seemed to be a voice from heaven, declaring 
my goodness to be good for nothing. I exclaimed 
aloud, " What shall I do /" And now, finding 
himself unable to endure the test which he had 
prescribed, it might be supposed that in fidelity to 
the principle on which he had proceeded, he would 
have regarded the point in question as unequivo- 
cally decided ; and thence have looked upon him- 
self as being certainly in a state of condemnation. 
But with an inconsistency often exhibited by the 
subjects of the same superstition, whose confi- 
dence in such trials of character is easily shaken, 
until the wished-for issue is gained, he proceeded 
to repeat the experiment ; but with as little reason 
for satisfaction as before. For the words which 
then met his eye were, " Return unto me, and I 
will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But 
ye said, wherein shall we return?" 

It does not appear that he ever resorted to this 
measure again, for the same purpose. The issue 



30 MEMOIR OF 

of this second trial dissuaded him from making a 
third ; and the more so, probably, as the result of 
another, should it be unfavorable, would but give 
additional emphasis to the forbidding import of the 
two already made, and thus only aggravate his 
misery. Indeed a further experiment was, in his 
own view, needless. He was now satisfied that 
he was not a child of God, and knew on whom the 
fault was chargeable. For in reference to the 
second passage to which he opened, he says, 
" This led me to charge all the blame on myself, 
and to see that God was willing, but that I would 
not return." 

Up to this time, notwithstanding the correctness 
of his doctrinal views generally, and his rigid self- 
government, he appears to have known almost 
nothing of the plague of his own heart. His for- 
mer rapturous love of God was like that of most 
other religious enthusiasts. It arose not from a 
just view of the divine character, but from a fond 
persuasion that God loved him, and was " highly 
pleased to see him so engaged in serving him." 
The place which Christ holds in the moral uni- 
verse, and the nature of the relation he bears to 
the wants and woes of a ruined world, had not as 
yet been distinctly seen by him. He seems to 
have had no adequate view of either the way, or 
the necessity, of reconciliation to God by the blood 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 31 

of the cross. He was grave in his demeanor, ex- 
act in his religious performances, generally anx- 
ious about his future state, though occasionally 
comforted in view of his own works of righteous- 
ness. The strictness of his morality, together 
with the regularity of his secret performances, 
was the offspring of his complacent reliance on 
his own doings, rather than on the grace of God, 
as the ground of his hopes. Hence, though his 
attention was habitually engrossed by the subject 
of religion; — though he sometimes believed he had 
truly surrendered himself to God ; and though, to 
put himself more frequently in mind of his fancied 
" devotedness to be the Lord's," he adopted the 
singular practice of making " marks on trees and 
fences, which might be seen when passing that 
way," — still he had no little cause to say after- 
wards, in relation to this period of his life : " I 
have reason to fear that I trusted in myself, and 
did not submit to God's righteousness. I do not 
recollect that I had any idea of sovereign grace. 
I thought I must turn, and prevail on God to save 
me." 

About the close of his seventeenth year, he ap- 
pears to have cherished a prevailing belief that 
he was a Christian. And very soon after this he 
felt an ardent desire to qualify himself for the gos- 
pel ministry, — an office to which many others 



32 MEMOIR OF 

have aspired whose religion like his, consisted 
merely in seriousness, external rectitude and self" 
complacency. Nor was it singular that, being so 
deeply interested in the subject of religion, he 
should " wish others to feel as he did," regard it 
as an easy thing for him, were he a minister, " to 
persuade people to become Christians," and 
" willingly undergo any fatigue for the sake of an 
education, in order to preach the gospel." It is 
quite possible for the emotions of natural compas- 
sion to rise as high in the breasts of the self-de- 
luded, as the feelings of evangelical commiseration 
in the heart of many a true child of God. Nay, 
it may be doubted whether, in most cases of 
spurious experience involving enthusiasm, there 
is not a degree of concern for others under con- 
demnation of the Lord, that insures a willingness 
to make considerable efforts, if not sacrifices, for 
their rescue. 

But there are other reasons why the Christian 
ministry should be so desirable to many persons 
who are self-deceived. The nature of the calling, 
so far as its external duties are concerned, is in 
strict accordance with their excited feelings ; and 
they absurdly take it for granted that their own 
spiritual good must necessarily be promoted, by 
efforts made for the benefit of others. How far 
the subject of this Memoir may have been infiu- 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 33 

enced at this time by any of the above-mention- 
ed motives, is unknown. The desire of useful- 
ness to others, is the only inducement which he 
distinctly records. In a short time, the ministry 
came to be a commanding, if not the paramount 
object of his pursuit. Hence, to redeem time, he 
labored with increased diligence, and often took 
with him into the field such books as he supposed 
were best fitted to qualify him for the sacred pro- 
fession. These he read with great assiduity, and 
committed large portions of them to memory ; 
for his circumstances at first forbade the thought 
of his aspiring to the advantages of a liberal edu- 
cation. Indeed he says, " I know of no way in 
which I could even attend an academy." 

At this period his superstition revived. "I 
hoped that it would please God to reveal to me 
whether he designed me for the ministry ; and 
even concerted a plan for knowing the will of 
Heaven in this respect. I determined to place 
the Bible in some secure place, and if it remained 
closed in the morning, I was to consider that as a 
certain indication that I never should preach ; but 
if it was opened, I was to regard it as a manifes- 
tation that he had chosen me to be a minister." 
He had surely rested the issue on an alternative 
sufficiently unpromising ; for if by " some secure 
place," is to be understood one that in his absence 
4 



34 MEMOIR OF 

excluded all agency but that of the Lord, it is 
obvious that the result which he desired, could be 
effected by nothing short of a miracle. This in- 
stance differs widely from most cases of super- 
stitious appeal to the supreme Being. For it is 
rare that any artificial mode of gaining a supposed 
supernatural decision of a point in question is 
resorted to, unless from a wary foresight of a fa- 
vorable probability as to the result. And that he 
should have chosen a " plan," which required him 
to rest all his hope on the contingency of a mira- 
cle, is to be accounted for in part, on the supposi- 
tion that he felt himself warranted to rely on the 
issue, should it be encouraging, with a confidence 
proportioned to the greatness of his risk. Be- 
sides, like many other persons under the combined 
influence of superstition and a self-righteous 
temper, he hoped to prevail with God to interpose 
in his favor, by the imagined efficacy of his own 
religious observances. " I did not dare to make 
the trial however, till I should have spent several 
days in close attention to divine things." 

But what in fact was the issue of the trial by 
which his destiny for this world was to be dis- 
closed, and for which so much laborious prepara- 
tion was to have been made 1 Happily there was 
none. The trial was never made. Providence 
did not permit him to carry his " plan" into exe.« 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 35 

cution. And it was so ordered that he himself 
should prevent the accomplishment of it. Just 
as he was on the point of making the momentous 
trial, he trespassed one of the rigid rules by which 
he had, for a long time, governed his conduct ; 
and the event was that, being overwhelmed with 
remorse, he at once renounced the whole pro- 
ject. " It happened, I think, on the very night 
I had chosen for this delusive attempt, that several 
of my young relations came from a distance to 
make us an evening visit. Here I violated an 
obligation respecting laughing ; and a sense of 
propriety inclined me to dispense with the penal- 
ty, as it appeared to be a demand of civility that 
I should sup with them. O the horror that seiz- 
ed my guilty soul the next morning ! All creation 
seemed to condemn me. I no longer thought 
that God would condescend to manifest to me 
his will. Thus I entirely relinquished the idea." 
Here the reader will hardly avoid remarking 
that this interesting youth had long been suffering 
in many respects, from the want of intimacy with 
some intelligent Christian friend, by whose in- 
structions and counsels he might have been de- 
terred from the folly and presumption of seeking 
any revelations of the divine will, in addition to 
those already contained in the Scriptures. By 
the assistance of such a friend too, he would 



36 MEMOIR OF 

have been made earlier acquainted with his own 
heart, — the way of salvation by Christ, — the dis- 
tinctive features of true religion, — his presumptu- 
ous dependence on his own righteousness, — the 
spuriousness of all his religious experience, and 
indeed, with the various causes which kept him so 
long agitated and impenitent. But such aid he 
had not. He sought seclusion, and studied con- 
cealment. He records nothing which might 
lead one to suppose that during the whole period 
from his twelfth to his eighteenth year, he dis- 
closed the state of his mind to his minister, or 
even to his mother. " Solitude became more 
agreeable to me than any company." When 
practicable, he shunned all company ; and on the 
Sabbath, refused to associate with professors of 
religion, because, as he states, " they talked about 
worldly things." Now whether they were guilty, 
in the extreme sense in which this indefinite 
charge is susceptible of being interpreted ; or 
whether the accusation may not have been dic- 
tated, in part, by an overvaluation of his own 
fancied goodness, — certain it is, that having little 
confidence in them as Christians, he avoided all 
familiarity with them. There were persons who 
took an interest in his seriousness, which he 
could hide by no dissimulation ; and yet, when 
they sought to know what occasioned it, he fore- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 37 

closed the assistance they would gladly have 
afforded him, by making no disclosures. " My 
friends observed an attention in me, and often 
asked me the cause ; but I made no reply." 

Although he had abandoned the idea of having 
it revealed to him whether he was, or was not, to 
become a minister ; still his desire for the office 
remained undiminished ; and he proceeded to 
adopt the more suitable method of using the 
means requisite to qualify himself for the holy 
vocation. His father dying when he was about 
seventeen years old, he " was thrown on the 
wide world without a guardian, and without 
patrimony." But with a mind ardently devoted 
to the great object in view, he was not to be 
disheartened by poverty. Therefore, to obtain 
the means of supporting himself while preparing 
for college, (for he now meditated nothing short 
of a thorough acquaintance with literature and 
science,) he " went to work at the canal," — pro- 
bably the Middlesex, then constructing in his 
vicinity. This brought, him into contact with 
fellow laborers, many of whom were of the most 
degraded and abandoned sort. They " ridiculed 
religion, and blasphemed God, almost at every 
breath." To have withstood the influence of 
such society, and escaped without some degree 
of moral injury, would have been more than 
4* 



38 MEMOIR OF 

could have been expected, had he been truly 
pious. But being, as he afterwards believed, 
unacquainted with experimental religion, and 
bolstered up into self-complacency by external 
formalities, it is not to be imagined that he would 
avoid contamination. Not that he became a 
scoffer and a blasphemer, but that he " gradually 
lost a great degree of reverence for divine things." 
How long he was associated in labor with those 
men, is not definitely known ; probably however, 
through the summer, and till late in the fall of 
1797. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 39 



CHAPTER II. 

Enters Atkinson academy. Is again led astray. Retires to a farm. 
Is in a state of deep declension. His application of a former 
dream. Enters Exeter academy. Devotes himself to religion 
and learning. Labors for the spiritual good of the students. 
Social worship in his room. Prays in his mother's family. 
Conducts religious meetings in his native town. His proceed- 
ings misrepresented. His health impaired. Leaves the acad- 
emy. Returns in better health. Instances of the kindness of 
Providence. 

By the avails of his labor at the canal, young 
Mr. Pettengill was enabled to enter Atkinson 
academy on the 15th of the following January ; 
not however, without considerable mental depres- 
sion on account of " a kind of impediment in his 
speech, and many bad habits of pronunciation,*' 
which he feared he should never be able to over- 
come. He was likewise "full of superstitious 
notions," and " determined to observe his austere 
way of living." 

Here also it was his calamity to board with a 
company of youths, whose influence proved a 
snare to him. As if it was not enough, in the 
view of an all-wise Providence, that he had hith- 
erto had no familiarity with a single Christian 
friend, he was now permitted to be thrown a third 



40 MEMOIR OF 

time, into the society of persons fitted to do him 
immense injury. Some of them were accom- 
plished and polite ; but at that time, his manners 
were not only not refined, but in a degree awk- 
ward. All of them were thoughtless, and fond 
of vain amusements ; whereas, he was serious, 
unsociable, and inclined to seclusion. What 
wonder, then, that they should have inconsiderate- 
ly aimed to disturb him by their vollies of wit, 
ridicule and sarcasm ? In many literary instituti- 
tions of the kind, and even in many primary 
schools, some one pupil who is either indisposed, 
or incompetent, to defend himself by retaliation, 
is selected as the butt of laughter, and sometimes 
as the subject of cruel imposition ; and not unfre- 
quently, the very thing which renders him obnox- 
ious to such abuse, is some quality in his princi- 
ples or conduct, that renders him the most worthy 
individual among the whole. It was so in this 
instance. For whatever were the partial defects 
of his utterance, and whatever the ungracefulness 
of his manners ; it is obvious that the things in 
him which chiefly incurred derision, were his so- 
briety, and his scrupulous avoidance of hurtful 
amusements. At any rate, he says, " I soon 
became the sport of the whole." And the effect 
was most deplorable. It made him distrustful of 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 41 

his own mental powers, and therefore, In a great 
degree, paralyzed his literary exertions. 

Thus was the immortal Cowper vexed, trode 
upon and nearly ruined, by a set of impertinent 
inferiors, the most of whose names have long 
since deservedly perished from the earth. A host 
of other ornaments to religion and science might 
be mentioned, who were once sunk in discourage- 
ment, and nearly undone as to this world, in con- 
sequence of similar cruel usage. 

But the moral effect of such treatment, in con- 
nection with the insidious efforts which were made 
to lead him astray, was still more lamentable. 
Dancing was the besetting sin of his companions ; 
and the more effectually to seduce him into the 
same practice, a few of them pretended great 
friendship for him, and thus, with consummate 
art, not only advised him " to unite with the rest 
in dancing every night," but gave the advice in a 
very private manner, that he might the more 
readily suppose it to have been offered from pure 
and disinterested motives. To this advice so 
adroitly administered, there was added what, to a 
mind already beginning to be pleased with the bait, 
must have had the appearance of argument, viz. 
the declaration that the practice was in itself inno- 
cent, and in the case of students, who require 
exercise, necessary. 



42 MEMOIR OF 

The effect of the seducement will be antici- 
pated. By the agency of other wicked persons, 
just before he came to the academy, he had en- 
tered on a descending course ; and was therefore 
the better prepared to be urged onward to a still 
lower point, by the solicitations of his present 
companions. — "I listened, and at length com- 
plied. Dancing began to seem less criminal ; 
and soon appeared innocent in scholars. Now I 
wanted to dance as gracefully as the others. It 
was impossible for me to observe my resolutions ; 
retirement was impracticable. My mind was 
soon diverted from religion, and serious impres- 
sions left me." 

It may seem unaccountable that a person so 
well fortified by native independence of mind, 
sound principle, and good resolutions, some of 
which he had not violated for years, should have 
been seduced in the short period of eight weeks, 
into vanities which had for years been peculiarly 
repulsive to him, and thus led, almost at once, to 
cast off all appearance of seriousness. But it 
must be considered that the process of effectual 
temptation is usually short, and that the keeper in 
whom he trusted was not the Lord, but himself. 
And if it be inquired why, with a still unabated 
desire to qualify himself for the ministry, he left 
the academy in less than two months, no certain 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 43 

reasons can be assigned. It may be conjectured 
however, that he was induced, partly at least, to 
take this step, by the conviction that he was now 
in the way to ruin, and that the surest method to 
escape from it, was to break utterly away from the 
reach of his seducers. 

The following summer, when he became eigh- 
teen years of age, was spent in superintending a 
farm in his native town. Here he was surrounded 
by his old acquaintances with whom, for several 
years, he had refused to hold any familiar inter- 
course. But now, " no longer carrying solemnity 
in his countenance," and having adopted the plau- 
sible notion that by a good degree of intimacy with 
them, he might promote their spiritual welfare, he 
was prepared to welcome their presence, and 
mingle freely in their society. That he " could 
have inculcated useful precepts in his evening 
walks " with them, and that to some extent, he 
" could have prevented excesses in the house of 
mirth," may be admitted. But that such were 
the actual effects, he does not record ; — and the 
probable reason is but too obvious. The effect 
upon himself was disastrous. For he says ; — 
11 Thus my religion was again brought to the test, 
and appeared like the early dew. Here the cup 
tasted bitter the second time." 

This last sentence relates to a dream which he 



44 MEMOIR OF 

had about the time of his first rapturous experi- 
ence, and which it may not be improper to relate ; 
not because he long placed any reliance on it, for 
he did not, but because the allusion thus explained, 
fully shows that in his own opinion, he was at this 
time, in an unregenerate state. — " After having 
meditated a long time on serious things, I fell 
asleep, and thought a man brought a cup for me 
to taste, and said, if the liquor tasted sweet, I 
should be saved ; but if bitter, I should be lost. 
With confidence I took, and tasted ; but it was 
bitter. Being permitted to taste the second time, 
I turned away, and prayed that I might be formed 
to such a temper, as that it might taste sweet the 
next time. I tasted, and was overwhelmed to 
find it bitter still. He offered to let me taste the 
third time, which was to determine my everlasting 
state, without any further probation. I went away 
more anxious than before, and sought with all my 
might to prevail on God to pardon my sins, and 
cause the last trial to be in my favor. But when 
I would have tasted, I thought the man took the 
cup and told me, I must not then, but at some 
future time should have my last trial. This gave 
me such anxiety, that I immediately awoke." 

B'it though from the influence of good principles 
deenly rooted in his mind, he gave way to no prac- 
tices which were generally regarded as wicked 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 45 

and though habit enabled him to govern his pas- 
sions, still he says, " I was negligent in secret 
prayer, and vain thoughts lodged within me." 

The avails of the farm of which he had the care , 
being altogether inadequate to defray the expense 
of clothing, books, tuition and boarding, requisite to 
the prosecution of his studies at an academy, ho 
was now on the point of abandoning all hope of 
ever entering the ministry. His discouragement 
was in part owing, however, to the mortifications 
and spiritual injuries which he had experienced at 
the Atkinson Seminary, and which convinced him 
that his " former exalted opinion of an academical 
life, was very erroneous." He most probably 
would have made no further attempt to prepare for 
the sacred office, had he not in the following 
autumn, heard that at Exeter academy, about 
twenty-five miles distant, "provision was made for 
a few charity scholars." But upon being informed 
that the conditions of admission, in the case of 
such students, were " poverty and an inability to 
labor," and the latter being expressed in rather a 
piquant manner, his pride was wounded by the 
implied impeachment of his willingness to engage 
in manual labor. And while debating in his own 
mind whether it would be proper for him to apply 
for admission, there were moments when he 
5 



4(5 MEMOIR OF 

rashly wished himself a cripple, that he might be 
certain of the desired privilege. 

But with an ardor not to be entirely cooled by 
unpromising circumstances, he repaired to Exeter ; 
and although there was no vacancy, sixteen others 
having applied just before, still he left his name 
and testimonials, and returned ; " often entreating 
that Being who has the hearts of all men in his 
hands, to open a door for his admission into that 
Seminary." About six months afterwards a va- 
cancy occurred, in consequence of the expulsion 
of a disorderly student ; and by a kind Providence 
he was invited to fill the place. Nor was the 
merciful hand of God less conspicuous, in causing 
his admission to be deferred till this time. It was 
seen by Him to be necessary that, during the pre- 
ceding half-year, he should experience the salutary 
discipline of sickness ; and that upon his recovery, 
he should obtain, by keeping school, the clothing 
and books needful at the Seminary. He joined 
the academy May 26, 1799, and continued a 
member till a little more than two years afterwards, 
when he entered college. 

The following pleasing account of his emotions 
and purposes, when commencing his studies at 
Exeter, is from his own pen. " Now I thought 
my happiness was complete. Abstracting my 
mind from every other consideration, I determin- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 47 

ed to devote my remaining days to religion and 
iearning. Experience had taught me, that I ought 
to be under very rigid self-government. Thus I 
resolved to live more in the exercise of prayer and 
self-denial. Accordingly, I lived alone among a 
crowd of thoughtless students." 

It was his opinion, that he experienced a change 
of heart not long after he came to this place. But 
he specifies no particular time. Indeed, he did 
not, in his own mind, fix upon any one week or 
month, as the precise period of a radical transfor- 
mation of moral character. Having been repeat- 
edly deceived already, he learnt the important 
lesson of extreme caution and self-distrust. If 
his views were not of the most exalted kind, they 
were intelligent and clear ; and his feelings, in- 
stead of being rapturous, were tranquil, solemn 
and humble. Retirement was no longer mere se- 
clusion from his thoughtless companions, but inti- 
macy with his God. And prayer was now, not 
barely the cry of want or helplessness, but the 
expression of holy desires, and the source of his 
greatest delight. These remarks are fully war- 
ranted by the general current of what he relates 
respecting this period, and indeed, in no small de- 
gree, by the subjoined extract. 

" Here I found the assistance of that natural 
principle, called the association of ideas, I made 



48 MEMOIR OF 

choice of a small place in the woods for frequent 
prayer and meditation. Every thing near this 
solitary sj . >t, soon appeared solemn, and tended 
to kindle devotion in my heart, when I approach- 
ed it. I thought I could see God in (his place. 
When in difficulty, or moral darkness, I resorted 
hither, and usually found relief. If ever I had 
freedom in prayer, or any realizing sense of the 
Divine character, I had in this place. I believe 
one reason why our Saviour often resorted to a 
particular garden was, that he might derive advan- 
tage from the above mentioned principle. — If those 
who really love God, would diligently use the means 
which he has appointed, they would enjoy much 
more of his presence. I will not attempt to say 
when I experienced a change of heart ; and I 
greatly fear I never had saving grace. Still I 
hope I experienced something of real religion while 
at this academy. If I did not, I have reason to 
believe I am still in an unconverted state. For I 
believe I never had more lively views of the Di- 
vine character, or more submission and humility 
at any time, than I had occasionally at that place." 
It will be perceived that the comparison expressed 
in this last sentence, is to be understood prospec- 
tively ; for if he regarded himself as having been 
previously destitute of religion, the evangelical 
exercises which he represents as never exceeding 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 49 

those of which he was row the subject, must have 
been subsequent to this period. 

Further evidence of his piety at this time, may- 
be derived from a view of the benevolent effort 
which he now began to put forth, for the spiritual 
benefit of others. Long previous had his mind 
been more or less intensely laboring on the sub- 
ject of his own moral condition. Eight years of 
his life had been spent, occasionally in spurious 
transports, sometimes in insensibility, but chiefly 
in solicitude for his soul. But during all that lono* 
period, with the exception of two or three years, 
he was little less than a religious recluse. At 
times, he felt something of the workings of natural 
pity, and sluggishly wished that others in the way 
to destruction felt as [he^did. But immured in a 
supreme regard to his own state, he stood aloof 
from them, and did nothing to promote their salva- 
tion. Not merely did he not warn them to flee 
from the wrath to come, but he was profoundly 
silent on the whole subject of religion, and con- 
versed with them as little as possible in relation to 
other matters. This fact may stand in the place 
of volumes of other evidence, that previous to his 
connexion with the seminary at Exeter, the love 
of God had not been shed abroad in his heart. 

But now, in accordance with his existing views 
and feelings, there was a marked change in bis 
5* 



50 MEMOIR OF 

conduct towards others. The sight of his eyes 
pained his heart. Evangelical benevolence glow- 
ed within him, and he could not but speak with his 
tongue. Hence, he took frequent opportunities to 
converse with his fellow students in relation to 
their eternal interests, and to press upon them the 
importance of early piety. In spite of all the op- 
position and various objections which he was 
called to encounter, he succeeded, by cool reason- 
ing and tender persuasion, in procuring the estab- 
lishment of daily social prayer in the chamber 
occupied by himself and six or eight others. Dur- 
ing the first term however, they went no further 
than to read a chapter in the Bible, and recite a 
precomposed prayer from a book which, poor as 
he was, he had generously purchased for their 
common benefit. This service was regularly 
performed by the students in rotation. At the 
commencement of the following term, howevc, it 
devolved solely on him to tike the lead, because 
at that time the book was laid aside, and extempo- 
raneous prayer introduced. " And this was the 
beginning of a custom which continued a year af- 
ter I left." That is, during a period of more than 
three years. 

From this place he early wrote to his friends 
respecting the importance of family prayer, and 
solemnly urged them to engage in the duty, 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 51 

and during his second vacation he resumed the 
subject, and labored to impress it upon their con- 
sciences. Not only so, but notwithstanding "the 
strangeness of domestic worship throughout the 
neighborhood," and the misgivings of his own dif- 
fidence, he introduced the service into his mother's 
family, and was himself the chaplain. " I thought 
if I could not pray in my mother's family, my reli- 
gion was insincere, and I ought not to profess it. 
I felt condemned that I had not proposed it after 
my father died. When I returned home the first 
vacation, I hoped that they would ask me ; for I 
knew not how to introduce it. My conscience 
condemned me, after I returned to my studies. 
But when I came home again, it seemed impossi- 
ble for me to pray before my thoughtless brothers 
and sisters, some of whom were older than my- 
self. They had seen my former rudeness, and I 
expected to be accused of hypocrisy. Family 
prayer was wholly neglected in the neighborhood. 
However, I introduced the subject, and took the 
lead in prayer ; but was amazingly perturbated at 
first." 

After having instituted the regular worship of God 
at home, he immediately sought to do something 
for the spiritual good of his former companions, 
who, he supposed, might have been injured by his 
former example. Hence he adopted the practice 



52 MEMOIR OF 

of reading sermons and other devotional pieces in 
the meeting house, during the intermission of pub- 
lic worship ; and not only proposed, but conducted 
religious meetings, and often in places where he 
and they had attended balls. He was young in- 
deed, but not of a temperament likely to render him 
imprudent in the manner of conducting those ser- 
vices. Still his well intended, and it is believed 
judicious, efforts for the immortal welfare of the 
giddy youth around him, brought upon him a storm 
of reproach and obloquy. A distorted account of 
his proceedings was sent to the Trustees of the 
Academy, and in return, false representations in 
regard to his introducing social prayer in his room 
at Exeter, were forwarded by some evil minded 
student, to those who were dissatisfied with his 
benevolent labors in the place of his nativity. In 
view of these trials he observes, " Thus I was 
taught by the briars and thorns of the wilderness." 

Nor did his pious activity cease when he again 
returned to the academy. For besides giving 
an improved form to the religious exercises in his 
chamber, as has been stated, he attended many 
meetings, and sought an extensive acquaintance 
with Christians, in the town. 

But as he was not without his trials as a Chris- 
tian, so was he neither without his troubles as a 
student. He found it difficult to pronounce many 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 53 

words with propriety ;* and was in some measure 
disheartened to find that a few other scholars 
younger than himself, made more rapid advances 
in the study of the languages than it was in his 
power to make. And besides, by excessive ap- 
plication and the want of sufficient bodily exer- 
cise, nervous complaints were generated, which 
occasioned confusion of mind when getting his 
lessons, and an embarrassing tremor when reci- 
ting them. Thus, as is lamentably the case with 
a considerable proportion of persons who apply 
themselves to intense study, after spending nearly 
the whole of their minority in some active occupa- 
tion of life, his constitution soon became debilitated, 
and in a few months, almost incurably broken. 
His head was dizzy, and sometimes affected with 
numbness. His lungs were disordered and his 
stomach weak and sore. This great nervous de- 
bility brought on a series of spiritual troubles, 
which he knew not how to account for, at the time. 
"Prayer and meditation were almost impractica- 
ble. I knew not what to do. Exercise was re- 



* As reference has been made to this Subject more than 
once already, it may be proper to dismiss it, by stating 
that he at length so far overcame the difficulty, that the 
only peculiarity in his pronunciation was a somewhat 
unusual sharpness in the articulation of the sibilant por- 
tions of words. 



54 MEMOIR OF 

commended, and I began violently. This increas- 
ed the complaints. Various ideas were darted 
into my mind which made me afraid to be alone, 
lest I should be left to put an end to my miserable 
life." But it is unnecessary further to recite the 
deplorable effects of this bodily malady on his 
mind ; for who that has read of Baxter, Brainard, 
Payson, and a host of other valetudinary persons 
of the first distinction in the church of God, can 
need to be told that a healthy state of the nervous 
system, is nearly indispensable to an entirely reg- 
ular Christian experience ? 

Constrained by his complaint to leave the aca- 
demy in August, 1800, he returned the January 
following, in an improved state of health. It con- 
tinued, however, only till the next spring. But 
as he had become in a measure aware of the 
natural tendency of nervous diseases, to distort 
the views and impair the comforts of Christians, 
he was comparatively at rest on the subject, and 
more inclined to notice his mercies, than to dwell 
on his troubles. And if the kindness of Provi- 
dence was conspicuous in his being received into 
the seminary, it was not less so in other instances 
during his connexion with it. He remarks that it 
would require a volume to specify all the particu- 
lar instances of divine goodness to him, while in 
that place. Only two or three of them can now 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 55 

be stated ; and these have relation to the manner 
in which he was enabled to relieve his pecuniary 
necessities. " Having borrowed about a dollar 
at the close of the preceding term, I intended by 
labor in the vacation to obtain the means of re- 
paying it. But being unable to work, and meet- 
ing with disappointments, I was obliged to begin 
the term with only one dollar. As I was still un- 
well, it was necessary to procure some medical 
aid ; and going to the apothecary's shop, T thought 
it unreasonable to spend any portion of this small 
sum, as the time for paying what I had borrowed 
had already arrived. I remained some time in 
suspense, being almost ready to give myself up 
to despair. At length I determined to throw my- 
self on the care of that Providence that had hither- 
to supported me. Thus resolving, I proceeded to 
purchase what I wished ; and, returning in a mus- 
ing state, I mistook the road, and passing by a 
house, I heard a person from within exclaim, 
* Here he is !' I stopped, and upon being re- 
quested, entered, and found the man unwell. 
The family were all surprised that I should come 
that way at the very instant when they were ex- 
pressing their anxiety to know where I might be 
found. The man informed me that his situation 
was such, that it would be a great favor to him if 
I would keep his school a fortnight. When I ex- 



56 MEMOIR OF 

pressed my willingness, he, not knowing my situ- 
ation, turned to his wife and said, ' See how Pro- 
vidence orders things for us ! I told you not to 
be concerned.' The Preceptor gave me not only 
permission to keep the school, but also my board." 

Surely it was not a little remarkable, that, both 
being in want at the same time, they should be in- 
troduced to each other so unexpectedly, and yet 
so seasonably ; and that the circumstances of 
each should be such, as to be the appropriate 
means of relieving the necessities of both. But 
he proceeds. — " Before my fortnight expired, I 
was invited to teach a school for a month on the 
sea-shore. This I considered to be equally an 
instance of the goodness of God, as I had been 
long desirous to go to the salt water for the bene- 
fit of my health. At this latter place, I pursued 
my studies to some advantage, and my usual 
health was in a great degree restored." Nor was 
this all. " When I returned to the academy, the 
scholars gave me about twenty dollars ; and I 
received several dollars from the people of the 
town. Thus I ended the term with more than 
forty dollars. Had I not received money in this 
way, it seems impossible that I ever could have 
entered college." 

A large proportion of those who believe that 
regeneration is aa instantaneous change* are 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 57 

unquestionably too solicitous to ascertain the 
precise time of its occurrence. Not that such 
knowledge is in every instance unattainable, or 
the desire of it unnatural ; but that great anxiety 
respecting this point, tends to withdraw attention 
from a far more essential question, viz. whether 
the change has ever taken place. From the very 
nature of regeneration, which is but the com- 
mencement of holy emotion in the soul, it is most 
evident as a philosophical truth, that it must neces- 
sarily be instantaneous. But the fact that few Chris- 
tians comparatively, by the utmost retrospective 
scrutiny, can ascertain the hour or the day of its 
occurrence, shows it to be the dictate of wisdom 
that the search be directed far less to the time, 
than to the subsequent evidence of this indispen- 
sable transformation. But even were this know- 
ledge universally attainable by Christians of small, 
as well as by those of large stature, yet, consid- 
ering how extensively it would be abused by 
multitudes, whose remaining corruptions would 
incline them rather to rest satisfied with knowing 
the time of their conversion, than to be faithful in 
their endeavors to grow in grace ; — and consid- 
ering also the gross antinomianism, — the peculiar 
deficiency of practical godliness, which is charge- 
able on most enthusiasts who so positively specify 
the hour, if not the moment, when they were 
6 



58 MEMOIR OF 

converted ; it may well be questioned whether it 
be not a signal instance of divine mercy, that most 
Christians are left in uncertainty as to the precise 
time of their regeneration, and thus necessitated 
to look mainly to their current experience and 
practice, for the evidence of their piety. 

These remarks are suggested by a review of 
the moral history of Mr. Pettengill while at Exe- 
ter. His experience appears to have been, in 
many respects, altogether new ; and there was a 
corresponding change in his conduct towards 
others. But as has been stated, he was not certain 
that he was a child of God. Nor was he at any 
time afterwards confident of the fact. And if he 
had happened to fix a critical eye on the very 
moment when his heart was actually renewed, he 
would probably have found it impossible to distin- 
guish so accurately between his then existing 
exercises, and certain resembling emotions of a 
previous period, as to satisfy his own mind, that 
the change was saving, and that it took place at 
that time. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 59 



CHAPTER III. . 

Enters Harvard college. His severe task as a waiter. His health 
fails. Kept from sinking by the impression that he is designed 
for the ministry. Laxity of opinions and morals in college. 
Establishes a religious meeting- Labors to reform some re- 
ligious students. Bold in reproving the vicious. Rebukes 
them separately and mildly. Defends truth whenever attacked. 
His bodily maladies severe. Respected as a scholar. Receives 
much pecuniary aid. His sense of obligation. 

Mr. Pettengill left the academy with more 
money than he had when he was admitted, and 
entered Harvard college August 12, 1801. And 
willing to submit to any hardship which he could 
sustain, in order to gain the requisite qualifications 
for the Christian ministry, he petitioned for what he 
calls " the butler's freshmanship," — an office which 
involved not indeed a degrading, but a most labo- 
rious servitude, as well to the Faculty and a large 
proportion of the students, as to the butler him- 
self. By the compensation allowed him for this 
service the first year, and for waiting on the table 
during the greater part of four years, he nearly 
supported himself while in college. School -keep- 
ing and the hand of charity, supplied the remainder 
of his pecuniary wants. His constitution, already 



60 MEMOIR OF 

radically impaired, was poorly fitted to endure the 
hardship of his toilsome station, in addition to the 
task of regularly preparing for the recitations of 
the class. The following account of his various 
occupations, shows afTectingly what burdens he 
was willing to bear, in order to become a preacher 
of the gospel ; and also what causes operated, in 
the early part of his residence at Cambridge, to 
render him infirm all the rest of his days. 

" I had to ascend several pairs of stairs and 
ring the bell, at least twelve times a day on an 
average ; had the care of lines and the entrance 
book, in which an accurate account was to be 
kept of all the liberties of absence, and all returns ; 
had to wait on the President at the hours of prayer, 
and on the Professors at the stated hours for lec- 
tures ; had the care of locking and of opening the 
doors and windows of the chapel and recitation 
rooms ; and when not employed by the Faculty, 
was obliged to remain in the butlery and deal out 
articles to all the scholars who wished, and to 
keep a faithful account. Besides these things, I 
had to get the stated lessons assigned to the class, 
which were numerous, and some of them difficult. 
I could mention many other duties which I had to 
perform, such as waiting on the butler, assisting 
in setting the tables, making fires, &c. I was in 
one perpetual hurry from day light or before, till 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 6j 

,fter nine at night, and oftentimes till midnight. 
These things I could have cheerfully endured, had 
I enjoyed health. But I had not fully recovered 
from a slow fever when I entered college. Ring- 
ing the bell immediately caused a weakness and 
pain in my left side, the effects of which continue 
to the present day. A violent cough attended with 
excessive expectoration, soon seized me, and 
continued six months or more. These complaints 
were attended with general weakness and flashes 
of heat. In this situation, I was exposed to storms 
and damp evening air ; was called from a warm 
room, perhaps more than a hundred times in a day, 
and by my fatigue was a great part of the time in 
a state of profuse perspiration. 

" It may seem to you impossible that I could 
perform so much, and yet get my stated lessons. 
Experience only can teach you how much assis- 
tance I derived from habits which I soon acquired. 
If I had five minutes to myself, I could study 
nearly as much as in different circumstances I 
could in half an hour ; and interruptions would 
not so disturb my mind, but that I could imme- 
diately and easily begin at the part of the lesson 
where I left. At the stated hours for ringing the 
bell, or for doing any thing relative to the butlery, 
I felt a peculiar uneasiness whether awake or 
asleep, wbieh would get the start of my recollection, 
6* 



62 MEMOIR OF 

and lead me to consider what ought to be done. 
This was very serviceable while I was in the but- 
lery ; but it caused me trouble for a considerable 
time after I left it." 

He continued in the faithful performance of all 
these various services four or live months, when 
the Faculty, perceiving the deplorable condition 
to which they had reduced him, appointed him an 
assistant, who took a share of the labor through 
the rest of the year. And even then, had he not 
been sustained by a somewhat superstitious confi- 
dence that God would support him amid all his 
toils, by a special interposition, it is most probable 
that he would have left college in despair of his 
ultimate object, or, while going his tedious rounds 
of service, have sunk into a state of dejection 
that would have greatly aggravated his bodily 
complaints. But his mind was firm and vigorous. 
It was preserved from depression, by a confident 
belief that he was yet to be a minister, and there- 
fore that God would, in some remarkable manner, 
carry him through his preparatory course. Indeed, 
he looked for a miraculous intervention in his 
behalf. — " Thus I continued * faint, yet pursuing,' 
expecting that God would work a miracle for my 
preservation. It was this expectation alone, that 
enabled me to endure my fatigue, and encouraged 
me to persevere." Truly he was sustained by 



AMOS PETTENGILU 63 

the hand of the Lord ; but he was afterwards suf- 
ficiently aware, that the following reasoning by 
which he persuaded himself that the preservation 
would be miraculous, was both unsound and 
presumptuous. " Though I was sensible that I 
was constantly exposing my health in a great de- 
gree," (indeed he already had alarming symptoms 
of the consumption, )"and that my complaints were 
increasing ; yet I felt confident that God who had 
done so much for me, would continue to support 
me, as those duties were inseparably connected 
with my education, and my education with the 
ministry, for which I firmly believed I was de- 
signed." 

The remainder of our account of Mr. Pettengill 
while in college, will show not only that he was 
truly pious, and eminently laborious as a Christian 
but also that the mystery of iniquity was then 
busily working in a University which was reared 
by our fathers to the honor of God the Son, but 
which is now become the chief engine in this 
country, of propagating a heresy which robs the 
adorable Saviour of his crown. As a literary 
institution, it has probably no superior in America ; 
and well had it been for the souls of great multi- 
tudes, if its eminence in this respect, had not 
vastly increased its power of moral mischief. 

To say nothing in this place, of the laxity of 



64 MEMOIR OF 

opinion and practice of the students generally, 
those who professed religion in college were few^ 
and mostly in a state of spiritual declension. 
Some of them were open advocates for cards and 
the theatre ; and the majority, overawed by the 
fear of ridicule and scorn, were distinguished from 
the mass of the students more by their periodical 
approach to the Lord's table, than by Christian 
gravity and circumspection. Great therefore were 
his disappointment and grief, when, with a heart 
panting for the society of God's people, and ex- 
pecting to enjoy it now more than ever before, he 
could find, for some time, but one person with 
whom he could intimately associate, as an open, 
consistent, and warm-hearted friend of Christ. 
His religious acquaintance with this individual 
commenced as early as the second Sabbath after 
he began his residence in college. For a consid- 
erable time they were accustomed to meet together 
for the purpose of prayer. On one of those 
occasions it was proposed to attempt the formation 
of a religious society for the same purpose ; and 
they already " knew of two or three others," 
they thought, " who would unite." The project 
being privately suggested to those brethren and 
some others, five or six, after a long while, were 
prevailed upon to meet at a room in college. 
There had been a weekly meeting of the kind 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 65 

nearly twenty years ; but it was kept secret, con- 
fined to the Senior class, and at that time, poorly 
attended. It was of great importance therefore, 
that another religious association should be formed, 
as a means of rendering the pious students of the 
other classes more familiar one with another, and 
of fortifying them by their mutual efforts, the more 
effectually against both the seductive and the 
overbearing influence of the ungodly around them. 

But the establishment of such a society was 
attended with great difficulty, as is clear from the 
issue of the meeting of the five or six just men- 
tioned. " Our meeting was known, and the next 
morning advertised under the contemptuous name 
of the ' Hopkinsian Club.' This scattered our 
little flock, and we could not easily collect them 
again. At length we agreed to meet very privately 
in a house at some distance from college." 

This little band was augmented in time to thirty, 
but did not dare to meet at any room in college 
till about two years afterwards, when it experienced 
much less opposition than formerly. Not only 
were these weekly meetings originally established, 
and afterwards made public, chiefly by his influ- 
ence,. but he punctually attended them, and was 
one of the most active and efficient members. A 
part of the stated exercises on these occasions, 
consisted in written dissertations, and extempora- 



66 MEMOIR OF 

neous discussions on certain passages of Scrip- 
ture, points of doctrine, or matters of ^casuistry, 
previously fixed upon. For either of these ser- 
vices he was eminently fitted, by his unusual ac- 
quaintance with the Bible, and by the compass of 
his general reading on religious subjects. Here, 
too, it was, that when he had ascertained any 
thing either in the principles or deportment of his 
brethren which was censurable, he reasoned or 
expostulated with them, warned or entreated 
them. Speaking of the society, after it had been 
greatly increased and made public, he observes, 
" We meet with no difficulty from without ; our 
danger lies within. Several of our brothers ad- 
vocate, and others attend, balls and theatrical 
amusements. I have lately taken up the subject 
in the society, in connexion with five or six others, 
and have endeavored to show the criminality of 
such conduct. A few arguments were used in 
favor of it. We reasoned from Scripture, con- 
science, and the nature of holiness, to show that 
their arguments had no weight." Then follows 
this appeal, which he made to them at the close 
of his argument. " Can you, brothers, in view 
Of the solemnity of eternal scenes, and realizing 
that a holy God certainly sees you, say in the 
sincerity of your hearts, that these amusements 
are pleasing in his sight?" 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 67 

His efforts in relation to this subject were un- 
remitted. By day and by night, in public and in 
private, he labored to convince them of their error 
and guilt. And though he was but partially suc- 
cessful in these offices of Christian kindness, yet 
he always nonplussed them in argument. On one 
occasion, after having " spent two hours" in ex- 
postulating with some of his delinquent brethren, 
he writes thus : — " They found much difficulty 
with my last objection, which was drawn from the 
unlawfulness of professors doing any thing that 
would wound the feelings of many pious Chris- 
tians, when the neglect of that thing is not crimi- 
nal." At another time he says, — " I was much 
engaged last evening, in laboring to confute an 
erroneous but very popular sentiment, viz. that 
ministers ought not to preach those doctrines of 
the Bible which are displeasing to their hearers ; 
and that if a man believes some of the plain doc- 
trines and is sincere, it is sufficient." 

Having visited a fellow student at some dis- 
tance from Cambridge, and dealt faithfully with 
him as one that was to be blamed, he remarks, 
" He was studying divinity. We talked about ex- 
perimental religion, and the different views he then 
had from those he formerly entertained. After 
making considerable pretensions to piety, he wished 
I would excuse him, as he was under the necessi- 



68 MEMOIR OF 

ty of riding to Boston. I did excuse him, and he 
enjoyed the ensuing evening at the theatre ! Can 
a Christian frequent that filthy place 1" And hav- 
ing been so open and earnest in his endeavors to 
discountenance dancing, and other pernicious 
amusements, as to excite " the warm opposition of 
a great part of college," he records this disgraceful 
fact: — " Several who, from their profession of re- 
ligion, ought to have co-operated with me, firmly 
withstood me." He was often and earnestly so- 
licited to attend the theatre, and tickets were offer- 
ed him gratis; but he rejected the bait, and never 
visited that sink of iniquity. 

Much more of a similar nature might be produc- 
ed both from his Narrative and his Diary ; but 
the subject of his fidelity to his inconsistent breth- 
ren, may be dismissed by the remark, that if there 
was at that time so much doctrinal and practical 
error among the professedly pious portions of the 
students, it is no wonder that such numbers of 
them are now, whether ministers or laymen, open 
and industrious advocates of the Unitarian faith. 
Indeed, the moral condition of the Institution was 
quite in accordance with the appointment of one 
to fill the chair of divinity, to whom the following 
passage relates. " Much is said at this time con- 
cerning a professor of divinity. Mr. W. is appoint- 
ed, and is generally thought to be an Arian. He 



AMOS PETTEJXGILL. 69 

is an Arminian at least. I have been very free in 
my remarks on the subject. There are several 
others (only several !) who are likewise opposed 
to the appointment of him. I think it is my sin- 
cere desire that God may dispose of all things to 
his own glory. Perhaps the coming of Mr. W. 
may be overruled to revive instead of depressing 
the drooping cause of religion in this place." This 
last devout remark shows rather what he believed 
the Almighty could do, than what he thought 
would actually take place. 

In all our colleges, composed chiefly of youths 
collected from considerable distances, and mostly 
destitute of vital religion, there is unquestionably 
much looseness of sentiment, and much immor- 
ality of practice. But it would seem that what- 
ever might have been done by the faculty of Har- 
vard to discountenance vice, it was not such a 
counterpoise to the corrupt propensities of human 
nature, and the temptations of the neighboring 
metropolis, as to rescue the bulk of the students 
from the merited charge of uncommon levity and 
dissipation. What has been said of the lukewarm- 
ness, timidity and worldliness of the professedly 
religious portions of the Seminary, indicates that 
the mass of the other students were likely to be 
the subject of more than an ordinary degree of 
moral corruption. And that this was really the 



70 MEMOIR OF 

case, is rendered painfully clear by the disclosures 
of the Narrative, to which this part of the Memoir 
is chiefly indebted. 

If Mr. Pettengiil was faithful to his delinquent 
Christian brethren, he was not less so in his efforts 
to correct the follies and vices of the other stu - 
dents. While numbers of the former cowered be- 
fore the pertness and insolence of the wicked, he 
desired to be openly known as the friend and de- 
termined advocate of correct sentiment, good mor- 
als and evangelical religion. Though he courted not 
ridicule nor contempt, he feared neither. With 
such as justified their evil practices, he was pre- 
pared to argue the case. The hard hearted and 
the haughty, he endeavored to subdue by remon- 
strance and expostulations. And such as spurn- 
ed at his reproofs, he at least silenced by argu- 
ment, and apposite passages of Scripture. He 
was the same undaunted champion of truth and 
virtue, whether laboring with an individual in pri-j 
vate, or remonstrating with a crowd. No man 
could more appropriately adopt the language of 
the great poet of England : — 

" I hate when vice can bolt her arguments, 
And virtue has no tongue to check her pride." 

Nor was he satisfied with rebuking only such 
irregularities' as occurred in his immediate pres- 
ence ; but took pains occasionally, to go to the 



AMOS TETTEJNGILL. 71 

rooms of others to suppress immoralities. "I 
left my room to reprove a person whom I had just 
heard talking profanely. I told him that I had so 
much regard for him, I could not avoid acting a 
friendly part towards him. Then in a mild way I 
went on to show the dangerous tendency of such 
talk. After about half an hour's serious reproof, I 
left him to his own reflections. He heard me 
with silent attention." On another occasion when 
he had been less successful than usual, he writes 
thus : — " My ears are wounded with lascivious 
discourse. How deep the depravity which is 
rooted in the hearts of men ! I frequently converse 
with the youth in this place singly, when they ap- 
pear deeply affected. But many who will hear me 
with candor, and seem resolved to reform, while I 
am with them separately, will, when in company 
with two or three others, ridicule any thing sacred 
which I can advance." It was an indication of 
sound judgment and kind feelings, that he sought 
opportunities to give reproof to persons when 
alone, rather than when in company. 

Lest it should be inferred that he was a forward 
and obtrusive y*ung man, and therefore likely to 
give offence by a rough and indiscreet manner ; 
it ought to be stated that he was singularly happy 
in his mode of address, when discharging the del- 
icate and painful office of a reprover. While his 
good sense, his reputation as a scholar and his 



72 MEMOIR OF 

consistent life, rendered him respectable in the 
eyes of all, there was a mildness, and even an af- 
fectionateness in his appeals to the understanding 
and conscience of the dissolute, which disarmed 
them of anger or resentment. Indeed he made it 
a special object of prayer to God, that he might 
"continue to have the good will of his fellow stu- 
dents." More than this ; he says, " I have rea- 
son to bless God that he has given me so much 
influence, as that I seldom meet with opposition 
in reproving my fellow students." And in a sol- 
emn review of his college life, he makes these ob- 
servations : — " I do not recollect that I gave any 
real offence to any one student of the seven classes 
with which I was acquainted. Yet I took many 
steps in various paths, which appeared to lead di- 
rectly to unpopularity. I opposed every popular 
vice and irregularity, and contended earnestly for 
unpopular sentiments." The interesting fact here 
stated can be accounted for only on the supposi- 
tion that his disposition was affectionate and his 
manner conciliating. And it was owing mainly 
to these estimable qualities, that he was so suc- 
cessful in this species of benevolent effort. " With 
ingenuous minds," says Abp. Leighton, " the 
mild way of sweet intreaties is very forcible ; as 
oil that penetrates and sinks in insensibly ; or, 
they prevail as the sunbeams, which without any 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 73 

noise, made the traveller cast his cloak, which all 
the blustering of the wind could not do, but made 
him rather gather it closer, and bind it faster about 
him." Nor is the quaint language of another em- 
inent writer l^fes strikingly just. " Passionate re- 
proofs are like medicines given scalding hot ; the 
patient cannot take them. If we wish to do good 
to those we rebuke, we should labor for meekness 
of wisdom, and use soft words and hard arguments." 
In saying that he " contended earnestly for un- 
popular sentiments," he must be understood as 
referring to the doctrines of grace which were gen- 
erally opposed in college, as well as to correct 
views of moral obligation and practical righteous- 
ness. In an Institution in which Unitarianism 
was not only firmly rooted, but coming fast to 
maturity ; and in which there were but few profes- 
sing Christians, and many of those irresolute and 
inconsistent, it may well be supposed that the 
distinctive principles of the evangelical system 
were generally disesteemed and discarded. It is 
important to observe also, that the cry of Hopkin- 
sianism ! was then becoming very general and 
very terrible throughout that portion of Massa- 
chusetts, which is now so deplorably infected with 
the above mentioned heresy. All the orthodox 
were indiscriminately branded with the name of 

llopkinsians, or with what was little less scornful- 
7* 



74 MEMOIR OF 

I j intended, — the name of Calvinists. And the 
result was, that great numbers of the ignorant, 
blinded by such chicane, and multitudes of the 
passive and the timid, awed by the terror of such 
an imputation, were alike induced %) desert the 
ranks of orthodoxy, and to enter the fold of Arius 
orSocinus. Such weresome of the efforts that were 
then successfully made, and still are making in 
those quarters, though with less effect than for- 
merly, to degrade evangelical truth by the impress 
of an insidious emphasis on a mere name. The 
way to this state of things had long before been 
prepared in part, by a considerable proportion of 
the reputedly orthodox themselves. They had 
appropriated to themselves the appellation of Mod- 
erate Calvinists, from an aversion to some of the 
more humbling doctrines of the gospel. Those 
doctrines were violently assailed by the half con- 
cealed Unitarians, and this onset, in conjunction 
with the opposition of the carnal heart to evangel- 
ical truth, induced great numbers to unite with the 
Moderate Calvinists, by taking what they suppos- 
ed was middle ground between the Genevan Re- 
former, and the Leyden Professor. 

Hence there was no little doctrinal controversy 
throughout that region. For if the truth was vio- 
lently attacked by one party, and partially surren- 
dered by another, it was natural that it should be 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 75 

defended by a third, who, in the integrity of their 
hearts, warmly adhered to the faith of their holy 
ancestors. Such being the unhappy state of things 
throughout the Northeastern part of Massachu- 
setts, and especially at Cambridge and Boston, it 
was to be expected that such a person as young 
Mr. Pettengill, would be laboriously employed as 
an advocate for " unpopular sentiments." And 
this was in fact the case. He was almost daily 
engaged in defending that humbling system of 
truth which was dear to his heart, and which may 
have been more frequently attacked in his pres- 
ence, because of his firm and open attachment to 
it. He was no where either silent or compromis- 
ing, when an onset was made against principles 
which he regarded as lying at the foundation of 
the gospel scheme of salvation. He carried his 
armor into the very camp of the enemy, and if 
there disturbed, he resisted all, whether chiefs or 
subalterns, by the power of Scripture and argu- 
ment. It were t. clous to specify a tenth part of 
the doctrinal positions of a loose bu fashionable 
theology, which he vigorously resisted, sometimes 
at his own room, sometimes at the rooms of th- 
ers, sometimes also at private houses, and not un- 
frequently till late at night. In no company, whe- 
ther of his fellow students, the officers of college) 
or the most cultivated people in Cambridge, would 



76 MEMOIR OF 

he suffer any thing to be said derogatory to the 
fundamental truths of the gospel, without modestly 
signifying at least, his own decided attachment to 
the principles impugned. The following instances 
from his Diary are worthy to be transcribed. "Had 
the honor, or rather the unhappiness to be in po- 
lite company, who opposed the doctrines of grace, 
and mildly advocated decency and morality. I 
found it difficult to oppose with the grace and 
sprightliness which seemed necessary in order to 
attract attention, without giving offence. How- 
ever, after making all the concessions my con- 
science would allow, I endeavored to vindicate the 
doctrines of depravity, divine efficiency, election 
and regeneration." " Dined with Mr. H., as he 
invites all of our class in order. Conversation 
took a religious turn ; and I could not avoid using 
some freedom in opposing. But this I did with 
diffidence, as I was speaking before several So- 
cinians or Arians, and one of them being my tu- 
tor, I stated my views of Christ's divinity as mo- 
destly as possible." 

His vacations, especially during his last year 
in college, were spent chiefly in company with one 
and another of his pious classmates. This led 
him into several different towns, and of course 
brought him into argumentative contact with many 
ministers and other considerable persons, of whom, 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 77 

some favored the rising heresy, but the greater 
number, a mitigated interpretation of certain arti- 
cles of -the commonly received faith. Of these 
travels and encounters, his diary contains a mi- 
nute and interesting detail ; but the limits assi< 
ed to this brief memoir require that extrac 
relating to those events be dispensed with, un- 
less the following account of an interview with 
the leader of a fanatical sect, should justly 
be considered an exception. " We called upon 
Mr. H., a Quaker minister. Several questions 
were asked by him and his wife. Thee and thou, 
yea, and nay, seemed very odd ; but they regard- 
ed these trifling forms as very essential. At 
length we got into a serious debate." He ap- 
peared to be entirely ignorant of the nature of sin, 
and considered it to consist only in a few external 
acts, or in the neglect of some ceremonies. He 
complained bitterly that our ministers take all the 
speaking upon themselves, and do not allow their 
hearers to break in, when the Spirit moves. I 
told him that ' the spirits of the prophets are sub- 
ject to the prophets ; for God is not the author of 
confusion.' I endeavored to go back till I could 
arrive at a place where we agreed, that I might 
there begin to debate with him. But I found at 
last, that he would not allow depravity in any 
sense, nor that men become liable to sin on ac- 



78 MEMOIR OF 

count of Adam. He had great advantage of us, 
by reason of his ignorance ; for he could neither 
feel nor see the force of an argument." 

If after the foregoing developement of his pro- 
ceedings and motives it should still be asked why 
fie was so frequently engaged in religious debate, 
the answer must be, not that he was over-fond of 
disputations, or hankered after polemic distinc- 
tion ; but that his heart was wounded by ob- 
serving such an extensive dereliction from the 
great truths of the Gospel. The spirit of contro- 
versy was not an elementary part of his constitu- 
tion ; and yet it is possible that habit, as well 
as the consciousness of a degree of skill, may 
have inclined him in some instances, to engage in 
debate, when otherwise he would have been silent. 
But in all cases, it would seem that he was actuat- 
ed by upright motives. The love of Christ con- 
strained him. From the beginning, he was aware of 
the time, the labor, and even^the reputation, which 
such a course of procedure would cost him ; but 
he felt himself bound by a grateful sense of his 
indebtedness to God, as well as by a devout 
regard for the interest of truth, to enter upon the 
work, in spite of all difficulties, and indeed con- 
trary to the wishes and advice of his irresolute, 
but professedly pious brethren. On this subject 
he is peculiarly explicit. " Soon after I entered , 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 79 

college, I began a course of conduct without a 
precedent in that Institution. My best friends 
endeavored to prevent me, as they thought it 
would injure the cause I wished to support, and 
render me unpopular; especially as my labors 
were frequent, and involved disputes in f^yor of 
the doctrines of grace in a place where Arminian* 
ism had long reigned free from molestation. But 
I felt willing to run the risk of incurring the dis- 
pleasure and ridicule of all, as I was certain that 
the cause I was endeavoring to support was dear 
to Him who had been infinitely more kind to mo 
than any earthly friend." 

So far was he from deserving the name of an 
officious disputant that, how many soever were 
the times when the prevalence of error drew him 
into debate, far more numerous were the instances 
in which his religious interviews with the students 
and others were of a very different character. He 
seldom disputed, except when dangerous senti- 
ments were advanced in his presence. His great 
concern was with experimental and practical god- 
liness, and he was zealous in opposing doctrinal 
error, only because it tends to sap the foundation 
both of right feeling and right conduct. 

Were the whole detail of his other pious labors, 
as recorded in his diary, spread before the public, 
it would be regarded as astonishing that he could 



80 MEMOIR OF 

have found so much time for the defence of truth. 
Beside the weekly meetings of the society which 
he was the principal means of organizing, he often 
attended those of the Senior class, as well as 
prayer meetings in town. And aside from his 
ordinary private devotions, he occasionally spent 
a particular hour in the evening with several of 
his brethren, in special prayer for the outpouring 
of the Spirit on the University. In one instance 
these prayers appear to have been signally an- 
swered. Numbers were deeply impressed with 
a sense of their guilt and danger, of whom one 
was the excellent Samuel Newell, the lamented 
missionary to the East Indies, who, with many 
others, was accustomed to repair to him for in- 
struction, in their spiritual troubles. And whi- 
ther, in their darkness and distress, should they 
more naturally resort than to him, whose piety and 
zeal had rendered him known as a pre-eminently 
active, consistent, and intelligent Christian 1 His 
room was always open for their reception, and in 
some instances he was employed in praying with, 
and exhorting them, till nearly midnight. Much 
of his time too, was devoted to the benevolent , 
service of visiting the sick and the dying, whether 
they were students, or inhabitants of the town. 
In vacations he followed the same practice, wher 
ever he happened to spend a few days. In all 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 8l 

places, he was faithful to introduce religion as 
an experimental and vital concern, and particularly 
careful to press the subject on the attention of the 
young, whether they composed the whole, or only 
a part of the company where he visited. He was 
no more deterred by the presence of the wicked 
in high and polished life, from introducing the sub- 
ject of experimental religion, than from defend- 
ing the doctrines of the gospel when assailed by 
circles equally refined. Two extracts in point 
shall be procuced from his diary. " Visited at Mrs. 

L 's, and conversed on serious subjects. I 

found it a very difficult thing to maintain the 
sound doctrines of the gospel, where mildness 
and politeness appeared to be united against them. 
However, I talked with some freedom on experi- 
mental religion, and believe I did not displease. 
I am rather inclined to think I gave some satis- 
faction." " Spent a long evening with seven or 
eight gentlemen and ladies. They were polite 
in their manners, and agreeable in their discourse 
on popular subjects. After endeavoring to render 
myself as agreeable as possible, I seized an op- 
portunity of introducing religion. I took occasion 
from the close of the year (then expiring) to show 
the importance of being prepared for death. 
They heard me with attention, but made no reply." 
If several of the preceding extracts prove that 
8 



$8 MEMOIR OF 

when the vital points of religion were attacked, 
lie could not be awed into silence by the presence 
of the accomplished and the learned ; these equal- 
ly show that he was far from that disputatious tem- 
per which prompts many a mercurial lover of 
truth to commence controversy, when it is mor- 
ally certain that it will only irritate and harden. 
In not a few really pious friends of the evangelical 
r.ystem, there is an argumentative or rather a con- 
tentious intrepidity, which is often displayed at 
the expense of evangelical discretion. 

His uncommon activity as a Christian, and the 
great variety of his religious avocations, were the 
more remarkable, as he was constantly experienc- 
ing the evils of a constitution much impaired at 
Exeter, and nearly destroyed soon after his con- 
nexion with college. All along through his diary, 
there are frequent notices of his miserable health, 
and often his great mental dejections ; both of 
Which, at times, nearly unfitted him for study, 
secret devotion, and usefulness to his fellow stu- 
dents. His complaints, as has been before stat- 
ed, were nervous, and often of a most distress- 
ing kind. At different times, they affected differ- 
ent parts of his frame. On one occasion he 
writes : — " Was so weak in my stomach and back, 
that I could scarcely sit or stand. It was attend- 
ed wfth trembling, faintness, palpitation of the 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 83 

heart, soreness, dull and sinking spirits, &c. 
Though they did not entirely disable me from 
study, yet they caused a thorn in my flesh, and 
constant uneasiness during almost the whole 
of my remaining college life. I frequently 
considered myself to be in the consumption, 
and almost determined, several times, to dissolve 
my connexion with college." A very usual 
form of his malady is thus described. " Soon 
after I retire to bed and begin to drowse, some 
obstruction or other disorder, throws me into a 
violent agitation, and renders respiration for a 
time almost impossible." Preaching, especially 
public singing, and even the snapping of the fire 
produced sometimes, nearly an insupportable pain 
in his head. 

From his almost constant ill health, and his 
laborious exertions for the spiritual good of others, 
it might seem to be a reasonable inference that his 
literary attainments must have been small. But in 
his case, there are other important premises which 
materially affect the conclusion which is to be form- 
ed on this subject. He had a vigorous understand- 
ing, some desire of reputation as a scholar, a 
real love of learning for its own sake, and a still 
greater attachment to the sacred office for which 
it was to qualify him. The combined effect of 
these causes was, that he held an honorable rank 
among the distinguished members of his class. 



84 MEMOIR OF 

That he had some thirst for literary distinction, 
appears from a passage in his diary ; and as he 
mentions the subject only in that place, it may be 
supposed that he was not inordinately ambitious. 
The passage, as it discloses his ingenuousness, 
and his desire to guard against the influence of 
unworthy motives, deserves to be subjoined : — 
"*3jpn7 8, 18C5. To-morrow we are to have a 
general examination, and I feel some degree of anx- 
iety. I hope for divine assistance. I know I 
have been faithful as to my attention to study ; 
and I leave the event with Heaven. If it is for 
the best that I should appear to advantage, 
I doubt not but I shall have assistance. I am 
sensible that I have been too much influenced in 
my application, by mean motives, such as honor 
and applause. I hope I shall have sincere repent- 
ance for all such selfish and vain labors." The man- 
ner in which he sustained the examination, on even 
the difficult branches of mathematical science, was 
highly creditable to him ; but his own private ac- 
count of it, though extremely modest, must be sup- 
pressed. It is enough to say, that the part assign- 
ed him for public exhibition when he took his de- 
gree in the Arts, was of the kind commonly given to 
those who rank among the most distinguished 
members of a class. 
As a pleasing evidence of the universal respect 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. &5 

and good will he acquired by his talents, attain- 
ments and uprightness, notwithstanding his]stead- 
fast opposition to popular vices, and a fascinating 
heresy, it may not be amiss to cite the following 
concluding paragraphs of his Narrative, which, it 
will be recollected, was prepared for the eye of 
only a single friend. 

" I had many gifts from various persons, which 
enabled me to keep clear from every debt ex- 
cept that of gratitude. While at college I re- 
ceived perhaps more than a hundred dollars from 
persons, (mostly students) with whom I never 
had been acquainted before I entered. Besides, 
the government (of college) gave me the waiter- 
ship about all the time I remained at the institu- 
tion. The avails of it paid my board. I likewise 
received thirty-four dollars from the foundation 
at one time, about twenty at another ; and when 
I left, more than fifty ; which paid all my debts, 
and left about thirty dollars in my favor. In ad- 
dition to these things, I had every other govern- 
mental favor which I could wish, and left college 
without ever being fined or reprimanded. Mod- 
esty forbids me to say much respecting the treat- 
ment I received of the students ; but justice to 
the narrative requires me to observe, that I receiv- 
ed every mark of distinction which I could desire. 
I would not have mentioned these things, had I 
8* 



86 MEMOIR OF 

not considered them providential. Let us not be 
afraid to show ourselves bold in the cause of re- 
ligion, since God can make both his and our ene- 
mies to be at peace with us. 

" I consider myself under great obligations to 
my benefactors, and hope I shall be enabled to 
conduct in such a manner, that they may have 
reason to think they have not bestowed favors on 
me in vain. But unless I acknowledge the pro- 
vidence of God in all these kindnesses, and feel 
grateful to the Giver of every good and every 
perfect gift, I must be guilty of the highest in- 
gratitude." 



AMOS PETTENGHX. 87 



CHAPTER IV. 

% 

Various extracts from his Diary, more fully .disclosing his labors, 
end the different states of his mind, while in College. 

Among many other first rate excellencies of the 
" Memoirs of the life and writings of Dr. Buchan- 
an," is the full and interesting detail of his Chris- 
tian experience and deportment, while prosecuting 
the studies and exposed to the temptations of 
College, which so often not only render young 
men regardless of religion, but lead them into hab- 
its of dissipation. Indeed, there are few biogra- 
phies of a modern date, so valuable in this respect, 
as the one now referred to. Influenced therefore ? 
by the authority of so high a name as that of Mr. 
Pearson, as well as by the number and character 
of the writings which Mr. Pettengill has left, the 
Compiler feels warranted to present, in addition to 
the account already given of him while in college, 
— the following extracts from his diary ; some of 
which will serve to confiwn certain statements made 
in the foregoing chapter ; others, to exhibit more 
clearly his devotional frame of mind, and all, to 
show what pious young men should be and do, in 



83 MEMOIR OF 

places of peculiar exposure to moral evil. The 
selection will include but a small part of the valu- 
able passages which might be presented ; and in- 
stead of classifying the several citations, it is 
thought best to observe only the order of their 
''respective dates. 

"Oct. 1, 1801. Sabbath. Unwell, and feel 
discouraged. Why art thou cast down, my soul? 
Hope thou in God. 1 used to take great delight 
in walking in the fields to view the works of God, 
and meditate on divine things ; but now am con- 
fined in this butlery, or college store, where, 
instead of religious meditations, are care and con- 
fusion, and frequent interruptions from those who 
make this day a day of trading. But why should 
I complain ? I would rather be a door keeper 
at college, if I may thereby obtain an education, 
than to enjoy all the riches of the world without it. 

" Commenced an acquaintance with one who, I 
believe, is truly religious. I hope we shall form a 
little society here for religious conversation and 
prayer. O thou who hast promised to meet with 
two or three who meet in thy name, bless and 
succeed our endeavors." 

"Oct. 8. Disputed much about election and 
depravity. Do I feel pleased with (he sovereignty 
of God myself? I think I am willing to be in his 
hand, as the clay is in the hand of the potter." 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 89 

" Nov. 15. My mind was more on heavenly 
things than usual last week. that I was swal- 
lowed up of love to God. But alas ! my proud, 
foolish heart will not admit, or will not retain, the 
Holy Spirit." 

" Nov. 29. Feel zealous to promote religion. 
Have lately contended earnestly for the soul- 
humbling doctrines of the gospel." 

•' Dec. 13. O tedious Sabbath ! — Almost con- 
stantly disturbed by rude company. Come heav- 
ly Companion, comfort me in my solitary state as 
a Christian." 

"Jan. 16, 1S02. Joined the church in my 
native town. On examination I told the church 
I hoped, I could say that whereas I once was blind 
I now see, — that I had long been convinced I ought 
to confess Christ before men, though I had often 
been in doubt whether I loved God ; — that at times 
I could say if I did not love him, I could not tell 
what I did love ; and that I had lately been much 
impressed with this text — ' I made haste, and de- 
layed not to keep thy commandments,' — and did 
not dare to neglect Christ's command any longer." 

"Feb. 16. It is now late at night. I must 
lay by my studies, and fall down before the Father 
of mercies, and implore his protection for myself 
and others. I have this week fallen into rude 
company, and joined with them too much. O how 



► 



90 MEMOIR OF 

can I bear the thought ! I have constantly prayed 
three times a day, and read three or four chapters, 
discoursed a great deal about religion, and met 
with some opposition, which I think I have borne 
with patience. This evening I received a very 
important lesson. While I was much engaged in 
trying to impress the mind of a fellow student with 
a sense of the importance of religion, he, in order 
to prevent me, said he did not think I had any reli- 
gion myself; and that he had heard some say to- 
day, that my religion was all outward. I entreat- 
ed him to consider the deplorable condition in 
which I must be, if that were the case ; and went 
on to show how shocking is the condition of those 
who have not real, vital, experimental religion. 

my soul ! have I not given those around me too 
much reason to pass this judgment ? O may I 
for the future live in such a manner that they may 
take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus. 
Merciful God, grant me grace or I sin again ; for 

1 have an exceeding wicked heart, prone to evil ; 
but I would resign myself to thee." 

" Feb, 21. Talked a great deal about religion, 
think I am more engaged in the cause ; but do 
that every day which I am ashamed of. may 
I come out from sinners, and be separate." 

" April 2. I know not what to do for money — 
am almost destitute ; but will not trouble myself. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. gj 

God has always been kind. — (After I wrote this, 
one of my classmates gave me some money before 
night)." 

" April 3 About 10 o'clock, a fellow student 
presented me twenty-two dollars which, he said, 
my classmates gave me. I thanked him. And 

shall I not return thanks to Him who is the 
giver of every good and perfect gift ? Why should 

1 ever distrust the goodness of God ? He has 
never left me. I have never been in distressing 
want ; though frequently perplexed — all before me 
appearing dark and gloomy. Still that Being to 
whom I have often looked for protection, has ever 
assisted me, and made me to prosper. What shall 
I render to Him for all his goodness unto me ? 

" I meet Sabbath evenings with several of the 
town people, and pray with them. I do not know 
how it will affect the students when they hear of 
it ; but if I am right, I believe I shall not be ridi- 
culed." — To this he afterwards subjoined the 
remark, — " Though I continued this practice, I 
was never ridiculed on that account." 

" April 29. After I went to sleep, my mind 
being still engaged in study, I was at length sur- 
prised at myself, and wondered how I existed. I 
viewed myself in the hand of God. Eternity 
seemed to swallow me up. I suddenly awoke in 
amazement. Sleep departed from me. I tried to 



92 MEMOIR OF 

pray, but could not. — This morning walked into 
the field, and seemed to speak to a present God. 
A thousand times have I passed through green 
pastures and shady bowers, almost as thoughtless 
as the beasts that crop the herbage, or the birds 
that sing among the branches. But now I see 
God in trees and spires of grass, and hear him in 
the wind." 

" May 1. It is now late at night, thousands 
are buried in sleep, while thousands are deprived 
of sleep by distress and torturing pains ; and many, 
I trust, are pouring out their souls to God in pray- 
er. Our God does not sleep ; — his ears are open 
to the cries of his children, day and night. — How 
cold and dull I have been in prayer ! how foolish 
in conversation ! Keep me, God, that I turn 
no more to folly. My weary head and aching 
breast require slumber. Ever blessed be God, 
who gives his children quiet sleep. Though wea- 
risome nights may sometimes be appointed to 
them, while in this state of trial ; yet they will 
soon be admitted where sighing and sorrow will 
for ever cease. Shall I, a feeble worm, ever join 
that blessed society above 1 Can it be, that such 
a sinful wretch shall ever be in the company of 
those who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb?" 

" May 3. For a long time, I have been labor- 
ing under a variety of complaints. No doubt God 
has ordered it so for a wise purpose. I desire to 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 93 

be submissive. I hope, — I believe if it is for his 
glory, J shall be able to continue my studies. I 
think I enjoy more of the presence of God than 
usual ; but am beset with temptations." 

" June 13. Have lately been much engaged 
in exhorting a number of my fellow students. 
Have great reason to be thankful that they are 
attentive, and even come to my room to hear. 
Have been very assiduous in opposing some par- 
ticular vices, which are prevalent here. Have 
met with very little opposition. Have been much 
engaged this evening in discoursing about tempe- 
rance and religion." 

" June 21. Felt great freedom in social prayer 
and conversation. But my wicked heart ! 
sometimes pride will rise. blessed God, give 
me above all things, a humble heart. Should it 
please thee to make such a feeble worm as I am, 
an instrument of converting any miserable sinner, 
or of strengthening any of thy dear children, may 
I give all the glory to thee, and be humble. — Have 
disputed a great deal the past week, on infant bap- 
tism, the doctrine of the Trinity, modern charity, 
&c. and must confess to my shame that sometimes, 
when I have heard persons reason most unreason- 
ably, I have felt passion rise." 

" JLug. 8. To morrow is my birth day. A 
merciful God has seen fit for wise ends, to support 
9 



94 MEMOIR OF 

my feeble, sickly constitution, while many of my 
equals in age, who were a short time ago in all the 
vigor of health, have gone down to the shades of 
death. Many who were promising themselves 
future scenes of worldly felicity, have been re- 
duced by disappointments, or involved by impious 
conduct, in perpetual infamy ; while I, naturally as 
bad as they, have been kept by the mercy of God. 
Some have been deprived of sight, or the use of 
their limbs, and others confined by sickness and 
pain ; while I enjoy so much health as to be able 
to pursue my studies, and am surrounded with a 
variety of the delights of life. I Many of my age 
are bound to masters whose tender mercies are 
cruel, or are destined to spend their lives in igno- 
rance, deprived of the happiness of social inter- 
course. Thanks be to God that he heard my 
prayers, and opened a door for my admission into 
this seat of science, and gives me opportunity to 
cultivate my mind, and thus to prepare myself for 
future usefulness in the world. Why have I not 
been left to conduct like those youth, whom I 
hear cursing and swearing, and profaning God's 
holy day, in the contiguous room ! 

" The Lord has appeared for me while in sick- 
ness and distress. He has daily satisfied my 
wants, and blest me with friends to provide for 
me. His mercies are more than I can number. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. &5 

But alas, what poor returns I have made ! Am I, 
a rebel, still alive ! A merciful God has borne 
with me these twenty-two years. These two years 
past, I have been beset with many temptations ; 
my heart has in too many instances been with- 
drawn from my dear Redeemer. that it were 
with me as it was in some months past ! I used 
to walk the fields in the silent hours of night, with 
my heart warmed with devotion. I looked with 
contempt on the vanities of the world. But 
my soul, how has it been with thee since I entered 
college 1 It is true, I have prayed frequently, and 
at times felt much engaged in the cause of that 
religion which I profess ; I have labored to im- 
press others with a sense of the importance of it. 
Still I have spent much time in foolish talk, and 
fruitless imaginations. Lord, lay not this sin 
to my charge. May I live nearer to thee than I 
ever yet have done. Make me, some way or 
other, instrumental of doing good. If it is thy 
holy will that I live another year, may I be blest 
in my studies, and continue to have the good will 
of my fellow students. Thou hast begun to pros- 
per me : wiit thou continue thy goodness, and may 
I ere long enter the ministry in the fulness of the 
blessing of the gospel of Christ. Deliver me 
from pride ; keep me from any thing which would 
have a tendency to injure religion. 



96 MEMOIR OF 

" Now merciful God, I desire to commit myself 
to thee. Grant me thy grace ; I can do nothing 
without thy assistance. When the time comes 
that I must resign this body, may I do it with joy, 
and not dishonor thee in my death." 

"Nov. 10. Am still in distress. Wearisome 
nights and days are appointed to me. Am in pain 
all over. Who can describe the horrors I feel ! 
But check these murmurings ; I am in the hand 
of a just God. He wounds, and he can heal. His 
mercy endureth for ever. What if this body must 
decay, and I be called to leave ail that is dear on 
earth : what if I must bid my class adieu, and 
leave my friends in tears, — shall I mourn as those 
who have no hope, or give myself to despair? I 
trust I have a building of God, a house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens. Then be 
silent, my murmurings ; away every tear. 

" If it is God's holy will, I hope my life may be 
prolonged, that I may warn my fellow creatures 
of their danger, and recommend Jesus to every 
inquiring soul. But why should I dictate to the 
Sovereign of all worlds ? He has ten thousand 
bett er instruments than myself, which he can us 
and make successful. O that he would send 
faithful laborers into his vineyard. that my 
fellow-students realized the worth of their souls ! 
O that this college might resound with praises to 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 97 

(he God of Israel. that my friends, while so- 
licitous for me, would secure to themselves a 
Friend that will never fail. that professors of 
religion would let their light shine, and be more 
solicitous to promote the holy religion they pro- 
fess. thou God with whom is the residue of 
the Spirit, cause the vine which thine own right 
hand hath planted in our land, to flourish." 

"Jwne 6, 1803. Sober; thoughtful. The 
doctrines of the gospel engage my attention. 
Meet with cavils go where I will : — perhaps I am 
rather too zealous in disputing ; but hope I shall 
be directed. My mind is calm ; religion seems 
sweet." 

" June 29. Am in a strait for money. One 
creditor called on me last night, and another to- 
day. Owe two college bills, and have nothing to 
pay, and no way to obtain any property. Though 
I have been favored in a remarkable manner, yet 
it is no sign that I shall be again. Trust in God, 
but do not tempt him. Besides the want of 
money, some other trifling things worry my mind. 
give me the temper of the gospel, and raise me 
above the world." 

" Jlug. 7. Have completed my second year in 
college. It has been a gloomy year to me : no 
one can tell what I have undergone. Still mer- 
cies havo followed me ; and lest I should be ex- 
9* 



98 MEMOIR OF 

alted above measure, I have had this thorn* in my 
flesh, a messenger of" Satan to buffet me. I sen- 
sibly feel the rod. I have borne chastisement, 
and may I offend no more." 

"JVbu. 16. Went with two or three brothers 
this evening to visit a man in excruciating dis- 
tress, and prayed with him. Sat up in my room 
till after midnight, conversing about religion." 

"Feb. 24, 1S04. A burden lies heavy on my 
heart. My ill state of health ; the distressing 
condition of my sister, whom I left at a distance, 
dangerously sick ; the prevailing inattention to 
religion at this college ; and especially the cold- 
ness and rebellion of my heart, cause me almost 
constant grief. The wormwood and the gall, my 
soul hath them still in remembrance." 

"JVLarch 11. Met last night with our pray- 
ing society, and endeavored with all my might to 
have it made public ; but met with great opposi- 
tion. It gave me much uneasiness, which I kept 



* Hypochondriacal affections of a very distressing 
kind, which sometimes disturbed the order of his 
thoughts, filled his mind with distorted and painful views 
of religious subjects, occasioned dreadful suggestions 
which he thought were from Satan, and almost unfitted 
him for his periodical devotions. Thus his body and 
mind were at times subjected to extreme suffering. In 
after years, he fully understood the nature of the mala- 
dy, and therefore escaped the mental anguish which it 
hitherto so often occasioned him. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 99 

concealed and tried to suppress. I sensibly feel 
my heart to be opposed to the divine will and gov- 
ernment. Fear that I never experienced a change 
of heart. — Prayed fervently, and was deeply af- 
fected." 

11 March 17. Attended the funeral of a fel- 
low student. How mysterious is the Providence 
of that God who killeth and maketh alive ! A few 
days ago this youth was in all the vigor of health : 
now in the grave. My slender, decayed consti- 
tution, has been preserved these four years, under 
almost every complaint. — Contended warmly 
against the practice of eulogizing the dead, who 
gave while living no evidence of being really vir- 
tuous. But could avail nothing. Those who de- 
spise religion in the living, think it may be neces- 
sary to adorn the character of a departed friend. 
Or rather, the language of such eulogy is, Live 
as well as our deceased friend, and you will go to 
heaven." 

"JWay 11. Sabbath. If ever I am permitted to 
preach, may I have the Spirit of the living God to 
assist ; may my preaching be directed to the 
heart : — may it be food to saints and terror to sin- 
ners. Such preaching I seldom have the privi- 
lege to hear. 

" This day was sent for in haste to see my sis- 
ter die. My mind had been very gloomy all the 
day, till I heard this report. I heard it with calm- 



100 MEMOIR OF 

ness, and set off with a peculiar peace of mind. 
— Thought I could rejoice that God reigns. Ar- 
rived just before she died, and heard her say she 
was reconciled to God." 

"June 23. Argued till I made myself sick, in 
order to confute the absurd idea which is advan- 
ced by many in this place, that there is a grada- 
tion of beings from infinite greatness to the small- 
est animalcule. As this doctrine was designed 
to place Christ before God. I felt deeply interes- 
ted in the debate." 

" Aug. 9. This is my birth day. The year 
past has, in many respects, been peculiarly trying. 
I have labored under a greal variety of com- 
plaints, and been troubled by the fiery darts of the 
adversary. Temptations have beset me on every 
side. Weak and distressed, my heart has some- 
times almost failed me. In addition to these 
troubles, a near and dear sister has been separa- 
ted from me by death. But these things have not 
caused me half the trouble that I have experi- 
enced from a cold, ungrateful heart. I think I 
have seen more of my depravity the year past, 
than in all my life before. My view of my own 
wicked heart, I sometimes think, is such as dam- 
ned spirits have.* I have learnt much of the van- 

* See the Lives of David Brainard, President Ed- 
wards, and John Bunyan. 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 101 

ity of the world. I used to be rationally con- 
vinced that neither riches nor honor can afford 
substantial happiness to the mind, or render a 
person more inclined to virtue ; but I now feci 
it to be a truth. I have advanced the year past to 
every post of honor which I could expect, or even 
wish. This evening 1 have been admitted into 
the Phi Beta Kappa Society ; — the other day I 
was chosen by the Government (of college) to 
prepare a forensic disputation for public exhibi- 
tion ; I have had besides, several other marks of 
distinction. I do not slight the respect which 
has been shown me by my classmates and others ; 
but I really think I have been less happy on this 
account. A retired, solitary life, is most friendly 
to the cultivation of religion. How lovely Jesus 
appears praying in the lonely deserts ! 

" Though trouble has been my almost constant 
companion, yet goodness and mercy have not for- 
saken me. A gracious God has been my pro- 
tector, and has, I trust, in some instances, afforded 
me the light of his countenance. He has blest 
me with the continuance of my reason, and pre- 
served me from fatal diseases. He has enabled 
me to make considerable progress in my studies 
and given me a comfortable supply of the good 
things of this life. may I render to him accor- 
ding to the benefits I have received. Let my 



102 MEMOIR OF 

twenty-fifth year, if my life is spared, be devoted 
to God. May I avoid foolish and vain conversa- 
tion, and walk as becomes those who profess god- 
liness. May I be sweetly resigned to the will of 
Heaven. If it is God's holy will, may^I have 
strength to pursue my studies, and be prepared 
for that laborious, p' easing work, which has so 
long been near my heart. May I never enter the 
sacred office of the ministry, unless I go in the 
strength of the Lord. By his assistance I can do 
all things." 

" Aug. 20. In the evening went to a room 
where a scholar treated for parts. I left it as soon 
as the company became noisy. Went to the room 
of H. and spent two hours conversing with him on 
the evidences of Christianity, and on the divinity of 
Christ. Was pleased to see one who had been 
remarkable for his eccentricity and rudeness, 
brought to feel his need of a change of heart." 

"Aug. 21. Spent the evening in talking with 
H. on religious subjects," 

" Aug. 26. Sabbath. Went into Mr. Howard's 
African school (Boston) where a number were 
met for religious conversation and prayer. It was 
pleasing to see so many poor negroes together, ap- 
parently concerned for their immortal souls. I 
was much engaged inl conversing with them, or 
rather in exhorting and praying. After meeting, 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 103 

went to Mr. Brown's ; — made some remarks on 
repentance, and endeavored to show the distinction 
between holy affections, and those which are mere- 
ly natural." 

" Sept. 15. Rode to Mr. M.'s in Rockingham ; 
— quite fatigued. Although among strangers, I 
talked about half an hour before I went to bed, on 
the importance of immediate preparation for death." 

" Sept. 18. Rode to Mr. D.'s in company with 
my relations, and inculcated piety and holiness of 
heart, in as pathetic a manner as I possibly could. 
All heard me with attention." 

" Sept. 25. Conversed with the instructress of 
a school, who had lately lost a brother. I took 
occasion from that circumstance, to remind her of 
her own dissolution. Then I solemnly reproved 
one who had worn off serious impressions, and 
tried to alarm him. Retired to sleep about mid- 
night, almost overcome with my labors." 

" Oct. 1. Conversed with my freshman on the 
importance of early piety. that he may live be- 
fore God. He is young ; his father is extremely 
anxious for him, and to my care he most ardently 
commended him. May I be enabled to afford 
him assistance. May the God of all grace create 
in him a clean heart, and keep him unspotted from 
the world." 

" Oct. 3. Visited a young woman on her death 



104 MEMOIR OF 

bed. Conversed about an hour in a solemn and 
alarming manner. \ She was much distressed." 

" Oct. 4. If ever it should please the Supreme 
Being to place me in a situation to form a connex- 
ion for life, I most sincerely pray that I may be 
directed to such a partner as will render life agree- 
able ; one who is resigned to the divine will ; — 
who will give me friendly and religious advice, and 
by whose example I may be quickened in my duty; 
— one for whom I may have pure love, and with 
whom I can unite with increasing attachment and 
friendship. If I ever form that solemn connex- 
ion, may our mutual love and pious conversation 
soften all the trials of life ; but may God and his 
cause lie nearer our hearts than any earthly fi iend. 
I have one now in view who, I trust, possesses 
these qualifications. May God in infinite mercy 
grant us prudence, and not suffer any unholy de- 
sires or foolish expectations, to influence our 
conduct." 

" Oct. 28. Sabbath. Heard Mr. M. preach, 
which very much disturbed me. He is so care- 
less, and treats the doctrines of the gospel in such 
a manner, that I am fully persuaded he injures the 
cause of religion. He is always talking about 
the evidences of Christianity ; but after all, he 
makes the gospel, as I think, to be nothing more 
than natural law, sanctioned by promises and 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 105 

threatenings. According to him, if men believe 
that Christ was commissioned to come into 
this world and to preach, and if they do nobody 
any harm, they will be in no danger. Thus 
is he trying to lull these perishing sinners to sleep. 
O Lord, send thy quickening and renewing Spirit 
among us." 

" Oct. 29. Made my humble confession to a 
student, before I was impeached, for reading some 
of his writings without his liberty. This, howev- 
er, was what he did not desire ; but so sensible 
was I of having done wrong, that my conscience 
would give me no peace, until I had done it." 

"Nov. 19. Visited by an old acquaintance, 
who came in very humiliating circumstances, re- 
questing a favor. It is worthy of remark, that 
this same man, five years ago, used his influence 
to prevent me from reading to the young people 
Sabbath noons. In order to do this, he tried to 
injure my character, and gained a party to sing 
with him in the meeting-house, for the express 
purpose of frustrating me in what I sincerely 
thought to be my duty." 

" Nov. 20. Conversed with brother F. on the 
difficulties in the way of maintaining religion at 
college. He seems to go mourning all his days. 
Spent the forepart of the evening with a Christian 
friend, who made me a present of more than 
10 



106 MEMOIR OF 

three dollars. O may I render unto the Lord 
according to the benefits I have received. Why 
should he open the hearts of any to bestow favors 
on mel" 

"Feb. 1,1805. Have for some time been en- 
gaged in a country-school, where great opposition is 
made to the minister on account of his advancing 
the doctrines of grace. As I have been zealous 
in the same cause, opposition is raised against me 
likewise, and I am soon to be turned out of school. 
My mind was agitated the former part of the day ; 
but I enjoy, some of the time, a sweet calm. I 
am sensible it is good to bear the yoke in my 
youth, that afflictions are necessary, and that God 
always sends the right kind. * Let them curse.' 
blessed Jesus, thou hast endured the scoffs 
of sinners, succor me ; may I have strength 
of body and firmness of mind. O may I con- 
duct like a Christian through this trying scene." 

" Feb. 5. Went into my school with firmness, 
for the last time ; having been ordered to quit 
it this day. Believe I was enabled by divine as- 
sistance, to go through the duties devolving on 
me, with some degree of propriety. When the 
time drew near that I must leave my pupils, I 
addressed them in this manner : — ' I have been 
with you but a short time ; yet long enough 
to feel deeply interested in your happiness. I 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 107 

have exerted myself to the utmost for your 
good ; and if you have any regard for me, you 
will manifest it at this parting moment, by a regu- 
lar deportment. Your conduct at this time, will 
make a lasting impression on my mind, for I shall 
probably never see you again.' At this, they be- 
gan a violent coughing, in order to interrupt 
me ; and continued it till I bid them farewell. 
However, it did not disturb me. I continued to 
address them in as solemn a manner as I could, 
for half an hour or more. How criminal are pa- 
rents who encourage their children in violating the 
rules of decency, and in ridiculing serious things ! 
There are however, many Christians in this place, 
who are by no means culpable in this respect." 

"JMarch 17. Much engaged lately in oppos- 
ing theatrical amusements, card playing, obscene 
conversation, and liberal sentiments, as they 
are called. Never did college appear to me 
to be in so gloomy a state, as the present. I am 
led to adopt the language of inspiration,— 'Who 
will rise up for me against the evil-doers ? or 
who will stand up for me against the workers of in- 
iquity V Corruption rolls in upon us like a flood. 
Great exertions are making to propagate liberal 
sentiments ; and many are so amazingly liberal, 
that they condemn all in a lump, who will not 



108 MEMOIR OF 

unite with them in believing that it is no mat- 
ter what a person believes." 

" JMarch 31. Neglected secret prayer in the 
morning of this holy day, meaning to attend to it ; 
but the bell rung before I was aware, and I was 
obliged to hurry away to meeting. After meeting 
began, I intended to be devotional ; but as my 
nervous complaints increased, I had enough to 
do to struggle with my feelings. I intended to 
pray after meeting ; but during ail the intermission 
of the public service, my teeth ached violently, 
which absorbed my whole attention. Now the 
exercises of the day are concluded, I have the 
tooth-ache still, and have no heart to pray. For 
the future, may \ gather manna in the morning." 

" April 7. Sabbath. I have remarked that I 
seldom enjoy health Sabbath days. My nerves 
are unstrung, spirits dejected, and I am unable 
to control my ideas. I am not certain whether 
this ought to be attributed to a natural or moral 
cause, or to both. One cause perhaps is, that I 
generally attend a religious society the preceding 
evening, and suffer from the effects of the night 
air, and of confinement in a room where the air 
is injured by the respiration of so many persons. 
Or, I may at these times experience the effects 
of my laborious application to study during the 
week time ; and on the Sabbath our laws prohib- 



AMOS PETTENGILL 109 

king walking. Notwithstanding these things, I 
believe that holy time would not be so gloomy if 
I was faithful during week days. The preaching, 
and the almost universal neglect of religion in 
college, operate very forcibly on my mind. But 
yet I should be able to call God's holy day a de- 
light, were my heart right with him, — had I a real 
relish for the joys of heaven. When will the 
Sabbath beam upon me with such peculiar lustre 
as it has done in times past 1" 

" $pril 27. Have a backwardness to devotion. 
This is in part owing to the state of my health. 
Standing or kneeling any considerable time in 
prayer, throws me into a violent perspiration. I 
hope I sometimes feel the emotion of love to 
God. I have said much to others lately, concern- 
ing the importance of prayer, and maintained that 
we ought not only to set apart some time every 
day for devotion, but to lift up our hearts frequent- 
ly to God, even while our hands are employed in 
labor ; and that we ought to watch as well as 

pray." 

" April 28. I am an enemy to apologies. 

They often have an effect contrary to that for 

which they are designed. A man by continually 

mentioning his own failings, may incline others 

to believe him worse than he really is. A min- 

10* 



HO MEMOIR OF 

ister of my acquaintance, through overmuch mod- 
esty, often told his hearers that they needed a 
better minister, and deserved one superior to 
himself. At length they believed him, and be- 
came uneasy under his preaching." 

" May 2. After ten last night, I felt my former 
complaints. It seemed as though 1 could not live. 
Heaven has wise ends in causing me to pass 
through troubles like these. may they detach 
my affections from earth ; may I learn obedience 
by the things I suffer." 

" May 4. My health better. In the evening 
met with the religious society. Subject of con- 
versation — the conduct proper for those who are 
designed for the ministry. Among other things, 
I mentioned it as highly important that every such 
person should become familiar with a system of di- 
vinity, before he begins to preach ; that this sys- 
tem ought to be founded on the sacred Scriptures ; 
that as every minister is an ambassador from God, 
he must be reconciled in heart to that Being to 
whom he is to pray men to become reconciled, 
and that it is presumption for a man to determine 
to make divinity his profession, unless he is ex- 
perimentally acquainted with the truths of the gos- 
pel." 

" May 5. Sabbath. I think I have been more 
sensible lately, of my need of a Saviour, than I used 
to be. When I look about me, the world seems 



AMOS PETTENGILL. m 

small, life short, and every earthly object changea- 
ble. The first view throws me almost into des- 
pair ; then a sense of the omnipotence of Jehovah 
affords me comfort. My attention is led to Christ 
who is mighty to save. Were he not omnipotent, 
it seems that I could not trust in him, nor find 
any rest. But when my soul seeks rest in Christ, 
as I sometimes hope it does, I can willingly resign 
every thing else, and say, let these elements melt, 
let every sphere be thrown from its orbit, still the 
foundation of God standeth sure." 

"May 5. Saw at a little distance a large tree, 
whose trunk was entirely dead ; but living branch- 
es appeared to grow from its top. I thought this 
tree might prove useful to the cause of Arminian- 
ism, as affording a better illustration than any 
thing else, of the position that good actions may 
proceed from a sinful heart ; or in other words, 
that the old man which is dead in sins, may be 
alive in some part. But upon looking on the oth- 
er side, it was found the live branches proceeded 
from a small living tree which stood behind the 
old one, and had no connexion with it." 

"May 18. Visited the families of Messrs. G. 
and S. Took the liberty of discoursing with them 
on divine subjects, and of brin ing to view many 
things which they had not been used to hear." 

"May 24. Called at deacon G's., and fell into 



112 MEMOIR OF 

a heavy debate with a man who was there. 
Amusements he thought must be right, because 
young people are so disposed to attend them." 

"June 2. Sabbath. A minister may err in 
addressing a sinful congregation, by representing 
them to be more vicious externally, than they 
really are, as a body ; or by founding his reproofs 
and admonitions on the supposition that they are 
very vicious, even when such a supposition may 
be just with respect to part of his audience. For 
in the first place, no one will feel himself reproved ; 
and in the second, those who are less vicious will 
feel secure. But when a minister founds his 
warm admonitions on the fact, that his impenitent 
hearers treat religion with neglect, — that they do 
not possess a vital principle of holiness, and that 
they are sometimes guilty of overt crimes, then 
every sinner will be likely to consider himself re- 
proved, and the most vicious will be apt to feel as 
though the preacher would have doubled his ad- 
monition, if he had known how criminal they are. 
I think I can say that much admonitory preach- 
ing has frequently been lost on me, and doubtless 
on many others, by the error alluded to above. 

" I have just been reading a book in which I saw 
an expression like this : — • God is a consuming fire, 
but Christ's blood has quenched that fire, and ap- 
peased the wrath of Heaven. ' When men begin 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 113 

to wander from the Bible, there is no knowing 
where they will stop. This author is probably an 
enemy to the doctrine of universal salvation ; but 
I think he has laid down the premises from which 
it may be naturally inferred. I believe that God 
is as really a consuming fire now, as he ever 
was." 

" June 5. Some person having called on a fam- 
ily in town, and began religious conversation very 
abruptly, and urged the importance of immediate 
repentance with much warmth ; as his name was 
not known to the family, it was soon conjectured 
from the description others gave, that I must have 
been the person. As I considered his conduct 
imprudent, since he went where he was not intro- 
duced, I went this afternoon to inform the family 
that it was a mistake. This I was the more for- 
ward to do, as many people of the town had taken 
occasion from this report, to criminate me, and 
to endeavor to lessen my influence." 

" June 9. This evening debated with a man in 
regard to the actions of the unregenerate. He 
mentioned those which proceed from sympathy 
as an instance in which God is pleased with some- 
thing that may be done by an unconverted person. 
I asked him, ' who told you that God is pleased 
with such actions V He replied, ' Reason.' But 
said I, * how came your reason to be so different 



114 MEMOIR OF 

from mine 1 God knows what actions he will ac- 
cept ; hence we must attend to his word for in- 
formation respecting this matter.' I then labored 
to prove that actions cannot be better than the 
heart, as that is the seat of moral exercises. As 
to sympathetic feelings, they are not of a moral 
nature. We cannot help esteeming a person who 
is possessed of them. So neither can we avoid a 
degree of pleasure in beholding one who has a 
beautiful countenance, and is agreeable in his 
manners." 

14 Jlug. 15. This day it appeared that an asser- 
tion which I made, as I thought, on the testimony 
oi another, to the prejudice of a Free wilier, was 
false. As I mistook the person's name, I felt 
something of the guilt of lying. I did not design 
to deceive, but I violated my own principles, by 
relating a thing without certain evidence. Alas, 
how full of deception and error is this sinful 
world !" 

With the aid of so many topics for various and 
important remark, as have been suggested by the 
preceding extracts, nothing had been easier to the 
Compiler, than to haveinterspersed numerous ob- 
servations of his own. But as those passages 
required to be neither explained nor amplified, it 
has been judged that no comment was necessary 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 115 

to give them their appropriate effect on the mind 
of the reader. They show that their author pos- 
sessed a strong and observant mind ; that he was 
well acquainted with human nature, and the vari- 
ous springs of human action ; that he cultivated 
the spirit of devotion in no ordinary degree, and 
that for a person of his years and his situation, he 
was an eminent example of conscientiousness 
nnd practical purity. 



116 MEMOIK OF 



CHAPTER V. 

After taking his degree, he journeys for his health. Returns to Cam- 
bridge. Engages in the study of divinity. Shortly afterwards 
is licenced. Reasons for it. Supplies' the pulpit in London- 
derry. Goes on a mission. Returns, and receives ordination. 
Enters on second mission. His installation at Champlain. De- 
scription of the scene. Descent of the Spirit on the occasion* 
His freedom from mercenary views. Extract from a sermon. 
Meets with opposition. Answer to an anonymous letter. A 
revival. Conversion of Mr. Ashmun, His attention to the 
improvement of the youth. Multiplied labors. His bereave- 
ment. Letter to Gen. W. Difficulties arise from the prospec t 
of war. Leaves his people. Petition to the governor of New 
York. 

Had Mr. Pettengill continued his narrative to a 
later period, it would have greatly facilitated the la- 
bor of compiling the present work, and hence sup- 
plied, unquestionably, much interesting matter that 
must now be omitted. Some advantage however 
will be derived from his Diary, which he kept at ir- 
regular periods, some time after he left college, but 
which is very brief, made up chiefly of short noti- 
ces respecting places of residence, labors and 
dates. Use will also be made of his epistolary 
correspondence, a small part of which has been 
recovered for the purpose. 

Laboring now under a greater complication of 



AMOS PJBTTENG1LL. 117 

bodily infirmities than ever before, Mr. Pettengili 
spent a few weeks after taking his degree, in 
journeying for the improvement of his health. 
And while successfully prosecuting this object, he 
exhibited in a striking manner the ruling passion 
of his mind. Instead of sallying forth to regale 
his taste by a view of water-falls, lofty mountains, 
or distant cities, he confined himself to a circuit 
which at one time brought him into a powerful 
revival, at another, introduced him into the society 
of some of his most pious acquaintances, and at 
another, afforded him a delightful interview with 
perhaps the most acute theologian in New Eng- 
land. Throughout this whole route of more than 
one hundred miles, he was exercised with pains 
which almost entirely prevented sleep at night ; 
and yet, in the day time he was constantly em- 
ployed in visiting the sick, in religious conversa- 
tion, or in addressing persons assembled for 
social worship. About the last of September, he 
returned from this excursion to Cambridge, in a 
state of health somewhat improved. Concerning 
the object of his return thither he writes : — " Am 
residing at college for the sake of studying di- 
vinity, where I expect to continue eight months." 
Whether he put himself under the instruction 
of the Professor of divinity, or resided at college 
only for the purpose of general reading on the 
11 



118 MEMOIR OF 

subject of theology, cannot be determined from 
any thing he has recorded concerning this period. 
From what has already been stated, however, 
respecting his views of the Professor when ap- 
pointed to fill the theological chair, it is most likely 
that he now sought instruction not from the living, 
but the dead. Having access to fhe best library 
on the continent, it is not probable that he would 
ask counsel of a man whose instructions he re- 
garded as being, to a great extent, subversive of 
the faith of the holy men who collected that noble 
treasure of wisdom. 

But instead of pursuing his studies at Cam- 
bridge eight months, according to his original in- 
tention, he devoted little more than one month 
exclusively to that object ; for on the fifth of 
November he was examined by the " Westford 
Association," and licensed to preach the gospel. 

This step will doubtless be regarded as hasty 
and altogether unwarrantable, by many at the 
present day, when, in consequence of the in- 
creased facilities of theological knowledge, the 
standard of ministerial qualifications is so greatly 
raised. But to require that every man designing 
to enter the Christian ministry some eight and 
twenty years ago, should have pursued the same 
studies, and to the same extent, as is common at 
the present time, would be as unreasonable, as 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 119 

to maintain that no student issuing from college 
at the beginning of the last quarter of a century, 
ignorant of chemistry or geology, ought to have 
been honored with a diploma. The truth is, that 
these two important sciences were then little less 
understood by the teachers in our colleges, than 
were the subjects of Biblical criticism and sacred 
rhetoric, by the bulk of our theological instructors. 
Indeed, a large part of the course now so profita- 
bly pursued at our best theological seminaries, 
was at the time referred to, alike unknown to the 
teacher and the pupil. Until some years after 
the subject of this Memoir was licensed to preach, 
and even settled in the ministry, the attention of 
students in divinity throughout our land, was, with 
comparatively few exceptions, devoted almost 
exclusively to doctrinal theology. And for nearly 
all the advances of our ablest professors beyond 
this kind of sacred knowledge, they have been 
indebted, not to the private instructors at whose 
feet they sat in the days of their pupilage, but to 
their own researches under academic bowers 
more recently erected. 

But in licensing Mr. Pettengill to preach the 
gospel, the Association did not introduce a novice 
into the Christian pulpit. His mind was mature, 
and well stored with religious knowledge. The 
greater part of his reading for several years, had 



120 MEMOIR OF 

been restricted to such authors as he would have 
been directed to consult, if, for the usual period 
of twelve or eighteen months, he had put himself 
formally under the care of an instructor. "With 
the writings of Edwards, Hopkins, Emmons, and 
other eminent divines, he had long been conver- 
sant. Ecclesiastical history had received a con- 
siderable share of his attention ; and his knowledge 
of Hebrew was such as to have secured to himself 
the appointment of an oration in that tongue, while 
yet a member of college. And considering his 
uncommon acquaintance with the Scriptures, and 
also the frequency ot his labors in defence of truth, 
it can hardly be supposed that he was deficient 
either in doctrinal knowledge, or in the skill requi- 
site to a proper use of it. 

He applied for licensure thus early, because his 
health was then so poor as to forbid close applica- 
tion to study ; — because he hoped the exercise of 
riding and preaching would contribute to its im- 
provement, and because he greatly feared he 
never should engage in his long desired work, if 
his entrance upon it were for any considerable 
time deferred. These reasons, together with the 
intention of spending several months in study as 
he could bear it, while preaching under the in- 
spection of other ministers, satisfied his own mind, 
and in conjunction with his asc< rtained qualirica- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 121 

tions satisfied the Association also, that his appli- 
tion was not premature. And the justness of this 
conclusion has been amply demonstrated by the 
whole tenor of his able and highly useful ministry. 

According to his original intention, he was 
employed about five months after his licensure 
in prosecuting his studies, and in preaching as he 
had opportunity, for his fathers and brethren in the 
ministry, without compensation. 

Sometime in April, 1806, he had an invitation to 
supply the pulpit in Londonderry, New Hamp- 
shire ; where he continued about nine weeks. In 
the following June, he was employed by the New 
Hampshire Missionary Society to go on a mission 
of sixteen weeks, to the northern part of the State 
of New York, lying between the lakes Champlain 
and Ontario, and extending northward from lake 
George to the Canada line. Having performed 
this benevolent service which, by reason of the 
fewness of the inhabitants, the badness of the 
roads, and the frequent want of comfortable lodg- 
ings, involved hardships little less than perilous, 
he returned ; and in December received ordina- 
tion as an evangelist. He was then employed by 
the Missionary Society of Massachusetts to labor 
for a considerable time, chiefly in the northern 
part of the extensive region which had been th© 
scene of his previous toils and privations. Of the 
11* 



122 MEMOIR OF 

fruits of this mission, no record is to be found 
among his papers, except the brief remark that he 
" formed several churches ;" among which it is 
believed are those at Malone, Canton and Pots- 
dam. He was, however, often heard not only to 
mention the difficulties he encountered in the un- 
frequented wilds at night, and in the roads ren- 
dered almost impassable by mud and by trees 
fallen athwart ; but also to relate what to his mind 
was more than a counterbalance to those trials, 
viz. interesting cases of conviction and conversion 
that occurred in connexion with his ministrations. 
During his former tour, he had preached with 
great acceptance to the people in Champlain, a 
township in the northeastern corner of the State 
of New York, and bordering on Canada. This 
people he visited again, soon after entering on his 
second mission ; and after a tedious journey of 
150 miles through the trackless forest to lake 
Ontario, whither he had been on a preaching ex- 
cursion, he returned to Champlain, to labor as a 
candidate for settlement. This was in March, 
1S07 ; and on the sixth of the month following, 
he was invited to take the pastoral charge of the 
church and congregation. Pleased with the char- 
acter of the people, and allured by the unanimity 
and earnestness with wkich they presented their 
call, he cheerfully gave himself to them in the 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 123 

Lord, willingly sacrificing the desire of a more 
eligible situation in the older and more refined 
settlements, to the duty of feeding a secluded flock 
that might otherwise remain without a pastor, for 
many years to come. 

He was installed at Champlain, July 9, 1807, 
and entered upon his pastoral labors with the 
advantage of that extensive knowledge of the 
character and wants of the new settlements, which 
eminently fitted him for the duties of the station 
in which he was now placed. The following 
graphic description of the scene, is from the pen 
of an esteemed clergyman, who shortly after be- 
came the pastor of a church in the vicinity. 

" The church consisted of fourteen members ; 
and the installation took place on a little island, 
which lies near the north bank of a beautiful river 
running beside the village. The stage was in the 
centre of a charming grove, in the midst of which 
stood here and there a tall branching elm. This 
being the first religious service of the kind, I 
believe, in the county, Christians and others as- 
sembled in great numbers from every quarter. In 
the midst of the interesting exercises a shower 
arose. And the loud bellowing thunder, together 
with the vivid and terrific flashes forking in every 
direction, while the rain at a little distance was 
pouring in torrents, formed a scene of majesty 



124 MEMOIR OF 

and sublimity rarely witnessed, and scarcely sus- 
ceptible of an adequate description. What height- 
ened its interest was the descent of the Holy 
Ghost ; the fruit of which was an accession to the 
church of about thirty persons. Among that 
number was a young lady whose attachment to 
Mr. P. as her spiritual father and pastor, was 
ardent and unabated to the last hour of her life. 
She died in 1819, having sustained an unblemished 
character. Hers was one of the most triumphant 
deaths I ever witnessed; and often during her lin- 
gering sickness, did the name of Mr. P. dwell on 
her heart and tongue." 

As an evidence of his strong attachment to his 
people, and of his total exemption from a merce- 
nary disposition, the following fact, as stated by 
Dr. Atwater, then the president of Middlebury 
college, deserves to be subjoined. " Having re- 
ceived a call to settle at Champlain, he, with his 
wife, tarried one night at my house, on his way 
thither. One circumstance I recollect. I asked 
him about the salary which was offered him. He 
answered that he did not know what it would be ; 
but trusted that the people there would know and 
do what was right." Indeed he himself observes 
in a letter to a relative, dated a few days after 
his installation, — " I do not know that the people 
will give me enough to support me ; but they ap- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 125 

pear disposed to do it." Whatever may be said 
regarding the propriety of his settling without any 
definite stipulation as to his support, since the 
step was likely to prove disadvantageous to him- 
self and family ; still there can be no doubt that 
it was almost without a paiallel in modern times, 
and evincive of very great disinterestedness. 

On the Sabbath next after his installation, he 
addressed his people from these words, " I seek 
not yours, but you." And considering the inability 
of the people to afford him, at first, an adequate 
support, and also the various privations which he 
must necessarily suffer, at least for a time, it will 
be admitted that as no secular motive could have 
influenced him, so no text in the Bible could prob- 
ably have been chosen, more expressive of his real 
object in devoting himself to their service. And 
yet, for the low purpose of ingratiating himself in- 
to their favor, he did not weakly surrender the 
claims which every faithful minister has on his 
people, and which are so distinctly asserted and 
enforced in the word of God. Nay, so compati- 
ble is a desire in pastors to be decently supported, 
with a transcendent regard for the spiritual good 
of their flock, that such a desire must be gratified, 
as the means of enabling them to labor most de- 
votedly for the accomplishment of the higher ob- 
ject. They cannot give themselves wholly to 



126 MEMOIR OF 

the work of the ministry, and at the same time be 
charged with the secular care of their own main- 
tenance. This fact, together with the duplicity 
of those who pretend to preach gratuitously, is so 
clearly shown in the discourse just referred to, 
that justice to the openness and uncompromising 
firmness of the author, requires the insertion of 
the following remarks. They were designed to 
illustrate his fourth inference, viz. " We may deter- 
mine when ministers are unfaithful." — " Should a 
minister come to a place and tell the people he is 
willing to preach without any pay, it would be a sign 
that he is unfaithful, that he seeks popularity, that 
he seeks to gain a party, that he seeks to please 
the people, more than to promote their everlasting 
welfare. It would indicate a willingness to en- 
courage in them a spirit of covetousness, for the 
sake of gaining their approbation. Thus it ap- 
pears that a vast proportion of false teachers, 
from the primitive times to the present, have ta- 
ken this method to disseminate their pernicious 
sentiments. They pretended to preach gratuitous- 
ly, trusting entirely to Providence for support, and 
then railed against all such as were honest enough 
to tell their hearers that they ought to support the 
gospel ministry. Thus Paul was slandered, and 
his influence among the Corinthians very much 
lessened, by false teachers. They continually 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 127 

insinuated that he was burdensome to his hearers, 
and that he made a gain of them and caught them 
with guile. But how does the apostle vindicate 
himself? — By saying that men are not under ob- 
ligation to afford ministers a comfortable support ? 
No ; but by plainly declaring that the laborer is 
worthy of his reward — that God has ordained that 
they who preach the gospel should live of the gos- 
pel. He acknowledged that he had received as- 
sistance from some churches, and considered it a 
dishonor to the Corinthian church that they had 
done nothing for his support. — It is most evident 
that a minister who sincerely wishes to employ his 
time and talents for the good of souls, must desire 
a comfortable maintenance from his people. How 
can he constantly 'seek' their salvation, unless 
they make the requisite provision for the supply 
of his temporal necessities'?" 

Mr. Pettengill had not long prosecuted his la- 
bors at Champlain, before the pungent truths 
which he enforced, began to produce a percepti- 
ble effect on the minds of his people. The entire 
corruption of the natural heart, and the obligation 
of all men to repent immediately and to become 
perfectly holy, were exhibited with such force of 
argument, and such urgency of application, that 
there was for a time, danger of a tumultuary onset, 
if not against the preacher, at least against his 



128 MEMOIR OF 

uncompromising doctrines. The opposition of 
numbers to those humbling truths which, if previ- 
ously assented to, were, till now, never understood 
and never felt, was exceedingly violent, and in a 
few instances directed equally against the faithful 
instrument of their developement. Notwithstand- 
ing his great popularity among his people gen- 
erally, many were dissatisfied with what in their 
aversion to truth, they passionately termed his se- 
verity and extravagance ; while some came to him 
personally and remonstrated against sermons that 
so greatly disturbed them, others kept aloof, and 
labored to produce a general alienation in the 
minds of his parishioners. But this was impos- 
sible. A revival of religion was already begun. 
And if the disaffection of a few still continued, the 
displeasure of others was fast giving place to a 
deep conviction of guilt, which brought them to 
him, disarmed and trembling, to know what they 
should do to be saved. 

About this time he received an anonymous let- 
ter from one of the former class of persons. And 
to show the moral inflexibility, the coolness and 
the grave humor of Mr. Pettengill, on the reception 
of that ungentlemanly communication, it may be 
proper to insert his reply. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 129 

Champlain, Jlug. 15, 1809. 
" Unknown Friend, 

" I received your admonitory letter, probably 
soon after it was written. The bearer informed 
me that it was found on the bridge. Whether it 
was left there accidentally, or designedly, does 
not in the least affect its merits. But this circum- 
stance renders me somewhat ata loss to know how 
I may communicate an answer. The decent and 
respectful manner in which you have been pleased 
to address me, claims my attention. Since 
your letter was in a measure public before it reach- 
ed me, I have concluded to submit this reply to 
the discretion of the bearer. 

" You say that you have a friendship for me. — 
This I am not disposed to doubt. If I knew your 
real name, I presume I could return the same 
compliment. 

" You request me to pardon you for 4 the as- 
surance in taking the liberty to impart a few words 
of advice.' With this request I could cheerfully 
comply were it necessary ; but there can be no 
need of pardon, where there has been no offence. 
I accept of advice alio ays and in all places with 
all thankfulness. In this instance it would be 
agreeable to know the name of my benefactor ; 
but I have no special objection to the method you 
have taken. 

12 



230 MEMOIR OF 

" You say, * although in pursuing your present 
mode of preaching the Sacred Writ, you will 
probably find many who are more enthusiastically 
ardent than the generality of mankind, that will 
approve of the unnatural extent to which you oc- 
casionally allow yourself to proceed,' &c. It 
gives me satisfaction to find you admit that I really 
preach the Sacred Writ. Pneach the word, is an 
injunction that formed an important part of the 
solemn charge I received, when inducted into the 
ministry. It has ever been my aim to preach the 
sacred writ, and nothing else. There is some 
ambiguity in the expression, ' unnatural extent.' 
Sacred torit generally uses the epithet natural in a 
bad sense, as qualifying that disposition which 
influences men in consequence of depravity. In 
this sense of the word I am willing to admit that 
I have always designed to proceed in preaching to 
an unnatural extent ; that is, to an extent to which 
men are not naturally inclined to go, either in faith 
or practice. 

"You immediately add, * yet believe me, my 
dear Sir, when I inform you that the unlimited 
restraint of the enjoyments of this world, which 
you endeavor to impress on your hearers, and the 
gloomy hope of receiving any thing but eternal 
miseries hereafter, have generally a pernicious 
effect, particularly on the morals of those who be- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 131 

lieve that rewards and punishments hereafter, are 
distributed with a more liberal and benevolent 
hand.' Believe me, my dear Sir, when I inform 
you that I never inculcated such * unlimited re- 
straint.' Various passages might be adduced 
from the discourses I have delivered, to prove 
that I have frequently advanced a different senti- 
ment. I have, it is true, endeavored to impress 
on my hearers the necessity of an ' unlimited re- 
straint' from all the sinful pleasures of this world. 
I have ever contended that we ou«ht to love our 
Creator supremely, and to use the worldly bles- 
sings he bestows upon us, as not abusing them. 
4 The gloomy hope of receiving any thing but eter- 
nal miseries hereafter,' as it is an expression which 
I do not understand, so I shall pass by it without 
comment. 

" With regard to the * enthusiastical' party, who 
approve my mode of preaching, you do not inti- 
mate that I injure their morals ; but rather the 
contrary. Yet you confidently assert that my 
mode of preaching injures exceedingly the morals 
of those whose sentiments are different from mine, 
and do not believe what I preach, when I go to a 
certain extent. Really, Sir, I never expected to 
be very serviceable to the morals of this class of 
men, unless they could be persuaded to relinquish 
their opposition. It is truly lamentable that they 



132 MEMOIR OF 

should allow their morals to be perniciously af- 
fected by preaching which is designed to restrain 
them from vice, but which they do not believe. 

" I have ever believed, and frequently said in 
public, that rewards and punishments will be dis- 
tributed hereafrer by an infinitely benevolent hand, 
or what implies this. But do these persons whose 
morals have been so perniciously affected, believe 
that they shall be dealt with by a hand that is more 
than infinitely benevolent? Is it this expecta- 
tion that occasions their morals to be so deplo- 
rably affected by that which they will not believe 1 

" You conclude by saying, * Should the above 
suggestions tend to correct an error, which recent 
circumstances induce me to believe would prove 
injurious to you, I shall consider myself amply 
remunerated for the task, which nought but friend- 
ship induced me to undertake.' Surely errors 
ought to flee, when threatening circumstances 
make their appearance. If I knew what these 
circumstances are to which you allude, I would 
give them my candid attention. If they are such 
as to induce you to believe that I must alter my 
mode of preaching, or lose my popularity among 
my hearers, I feel disposed to render you thanks 
for this early notice. The friendly and generous 
attention with which I have been peculiarly favor- 
ed in this place, is one of those worldly enjoyments 



AMOS PE1TENG1LL. 133 

from which I am unwilling to restrain myself; 
especially if I can still retain it, merely by re- 
nouncing an error. But I cannot afford to pur- 
chase this enjoyment at the expense of truth and 
a good conscience. If I should begin to limit 
myself to a natural extent in preaching, and there- 
by acquire the approbation of those who are like 
the generality of mankind, what should I do if 
the k enthusiasticaP party should turn their « ardor' 
against me ? Must I, in that case, return again 
to my ' unnatural' way of preaching, for the sake 
of avoiding the injury with which such ' recent cir- 
cumstances' would threaten me ? 

" Finally, dear Sir, I must plainly assure you 
that I have ever determined to pursue, whenever 
God shall give me opportunity, that mode of 
preaching which ' sacred writ' and the interests of 
true morality require. Whenever I am convinced 
from any source, that the mode I have adopted is 
opposed to any part of the Scriptures, or calculat- 
ed in the least to encourage immorality, I will ei- 
ther leave the ministry, or publicly confess my er- 
ror and reform. But till I am thus convinced, I 
must continue my present unnatural mode of 
preaching holy writ, and abide the consequences 
of recent circumstances. 

A. Pettengill." 
12* 



134 MEMOIR OF 

The effect of this reply, so happily uniting seri- 
ousness, decorum and wit, is unknown. But it 
may well be supposed, that if it ever found its 
way to the person who had provoked it, he was 
not sorry that he had taken the precaution to ap- 
pend to his communication a fictitious name. 
An 'enemy wounded by an arrow that chances to 
find- him in ambush, has at least the advantage of 
keeping his discomfiture and pain to himself, if he 
chooses. 

However it may have been with this man, ma- 
ny others who partook of his irritation, were ef- 
fectually humbled and converted to God. The 
revival was general and powerful. Not a few of 
the most intelligent and influential characters, 
some of whom had been strongly inclined to infi- 
delity, were transformed by the Spirit of God. 
The church which had been small from the begin- 
ning, was now, in consequence of that merciful 
visitation, greatly enlarged and strengthened ; and 
for years afterwards it was highly distinguished for 
its efficiency in the maintenance of Christian disci- 
pline. 

Two of the hopeful subjects of that revival were, 
by Mr. Pettengill's influence, brought forward 
from comparative obscurity, and ultimately intro- 
duced into the gospel ministry. One of them, the 
Rev. I. D., is now laboring in the State of New 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 135 

York. The other was Rev. J. Ashmun, the la- 
mented agent of the Colonization Society, who, 
like his self-denying exemplar, S. J. Mills, lost 
his life while seeking the highest good of the in- 
jured children of Africa. And it is uncommon to 
find so much versatility and ardor united with so 
much sound judgment and piety, as were centered 
in that remarkable man. This combination of 
qualities rendered Mr. Ashmun singularly fit for 
the difficult task of laying the foundation of a Col- 
ony which Christian philanthropy cannot contem- 
plate without thanksgiving and praise to God. 
But that good man was once a wayward youth. 
As such Mr. Pettengill found him ; " and by la- 
boring long, and taking much pains, he was at last 
blest in getting him off from his errors, after he 
had long been inclined the wrong way on the sub- 
ject of religion." He became hopefully pious 
while fitting for college under the instruction of 
his pastor. And to the latter it was a source of 
high gratification that he had been permitted to ex- 
ert, as he hoped, a favorable moral influence on 
two such men as Samuel Newell, and Jehuda 
Ashmun, whose memories will be dear to the 
friends of religion and humanity as long as the 
record of the present age of benevolence shall en- 
dure. It is for the last great day to reveal how 
much the cause of Missions in Asia will have 



136 MEMOIR OF 

been benefited by his Christian fidelity while in 
college ; and how much the degraded children of 
Ham in the other continents will have been in- 
debted to his influence while discharging the du- 
ties of a pastor, in one of the most obscure of our 
infant settlements. 

As he labored for the spiritual good of his flock, 
so he did not overlook the importance of educa- 
tion among the youth of his charge. He justly 
regarded the improvement of their minds as being 
alike essential to personal respectability, agreea- 
ble society, and the interests of religion, and 
therefore an object worthy of his particular atten- 
tion. Hence his efforts to establish common 
schools, and to render them promotive of intel- 
lectual and moral improvement, were unwearied* 
and in a high degree successful. And within one 
year after his settlement, he was surrounded by a 
considerable collection of his young people, who 
had organized themselves to meet periodically, 
in a manner analogous to modern lyceums, for 
the noble purpose of mutual instruction. His 
address delivered, as it would seem, at the first 
meeting of the Society, was happily calculated, by 
the nature of the subject and the manner in which 
it was treated, to interest and instruct his youthful 
hearers. He called their attention to one of the 
most wonderful and useful properties of the hu- 



AMDS TETTENGILL. 137 

man mind, viz. its power of association. He 
showed that this principle lies at the foundation of 
nearly all our attainments in knowledge, and that 
the possession 61* it in different degrees, constitutes 
the main distinction which exists among men in 
regard to what is commonly called genius. In- 
deed he seems in this performance to have antici- 
pated not a few of the views which have been so 
ingeniously advanced on this subject by the cele- 
brated Dr. Brown The whole discourse, dis- 
tinguished by sound philosophy, copious and fa- 
miliar il lustration, and practical remark, is worthy 
of the public eye ; but the limits assigned to this 
little work will allow the insertion of only the fol- 
lowing useful deductions. 

14 Hence we may see the injurious tendency of 
parodies, especially when made on any passage 
of the Bible, or human writing, which expresses a 
religious truth. If we hear a ludicrous idea ad- 
vanced in connection with a portion of scripture, 
it will be likely to occur to the mind whenever we 
hear, or think of, that passage afterwards ; and 
thus to unfit us for devotion. Percival gives an 
account of a man who could never hear of a sud- 
den accidental death, without laughing. The 
reason was this : — at a certain time when he saw 
a person suddenly killed, he made a witty parody 
on the text which affirms the blessedness of those 



138 MEMOIR OF 

* who die in the Lord ;' and the idea of an acci- 
dental death, ever afterwards, brought to his mind 
this unhallowed expression of wit. A person who 
converses in such a manner as to cause us to as- 
sociate ideas which ought not to be connected, 
does us a moral injury which he cannot remedy. 

Those who have the care of children, ought 

to improve the favorable opportunity of correcting 
wrong associations, and of forming suitable ones 
in their tender and susceptible minds. Experi- 
ence and observation teach us, that the neglect of 
this duty has often occasioned the most deplorable 
effects." 

Considering the age of the persons addressed, 
and the purposes of their organization, nothingcould 
have been more appropriate as a directory in the 
conduct of their meetings than the closing para- 
graph: — " The faculty of speech was given us for 
a more important end, than merely to please the 
ear. It is used in vain, unless it inform the un- 
derstanding ; and worse than in vain, when it is 
made to propagate error. Hence it is necessary 
that while we are arranging ideas in our minds, 
we be careful to select those only which are con- 
sistent with truth. From ignorance, indolence 
and defective education, we are all more or less 
chargeable with a mass of prejudices and errone- 
ous opinions ; and what is worse, we are con- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 139 

stantly in danger of increasing this mass. But if 
we would be useful to others, and happy ourselves, 
we must, by the love of truth and the exercise of 
right reason, labor to dislodge all such prejudices 
and opinions from the mind ; and in the same 
manner correct those reveries of the imagination, 
and indolent habits which, like noxious vegetation, 
spontaneously prevail whenever cultivation is neg- 
lected." 

The situation of Mr. Pettengill at Champlain 
was hitherto very pleasant, in most respects. His 
labors indeed were diversified and arduous. Du- 
ring a part of the time, he was the sole bishop of 
an immense territory. And while, from the diffi- 
culty of exchanging labors, he was obliged, with 
few exceptions, to supply his own pulpit every 
Sabbath, he was often called upon during the 
week time, to officiate at lectures and funerals in 
the surrounding townships. But his services 
abroad were highly prized ; and this rendered them 
easier of performance. The man who, while a 
mere student, could visit distant places at his own 
expense, for the sake of doing good ; must be 
supposed equally prompt, now that he was clothed 
with the sacred office, to impart assistance to 
many a feeble congregation in the neighboring 
wilderness. And as to his multiplied labors at 
home, they were so abundantly blest to his people, 



140 MEMOIR OF 

that his cause for thankfulness mitigated his sense 
of fatigue. If for a time he had enemies, they 
were made so by his faithful exhibitions of truth ; 
and by God's blessing on that truth, the most of 
them were ere long transformed into cordial friends, 
and valuable coadjutors. 

But in the midst of these pleasing scenes, he 
was called to drink deep of the cup of sorrow. 
The companion of his bosom, to whom he was 
united shortly after his installation at Champlain, 
was taken from the world, and in a manner that 
must have been peculiarly distressing to the sur- 
vivor. On the 25th of March, 1810, while he 
was conducting the services of public worship in 
another town, he was interrupted by a message 
informing him that his wife was seized with an 
apoplexy. He immediately left the congregation ; 
but before he reached home, her spirit had fled to 
God. The shock was terrible, but he bore it with 
becoming submission to the Divine will. 

In a brief memorandum of the scene, intend- 
ed only for his own use, when he might need the 
moral influence of such a memento of his sor- 
rows, he thus records the transactions of the fu- 
neral. " After the sermon and prayer by Mr. 
B., I arose deeply impressed, and extempora- 
neously addressed the audience to this effect : — 
4 1 feel disposed to call upon you in the language 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 141 

of inspiration, Have pity upon me, have pity upon 
me, O ye my friends ; for the hand of God hath 
touched me. It gives me some satisfaction to find 
that you are disposed to pity me ; but you cannot 
fully enter into my feelings. The heart knows 
its own bitterness. It seems to me as though I 
had no longer a home in this world, since my 
clearest earthly friend is no more. She in whom 
my earthly hopes centered, is locked up in the 
gloomy coffin, to be consigned to the silent grave, 
there to remain till the heavens shall be no more. 
I will be resigned — God has done right. While 
my worldly comforts are dying or dead, I hope I 
shall live nearer to God thin I ever have done, — 
be more attentive to my ministerial duties, and 
come to you from time to time in the fulness 
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. But soon 
will my voice be lost in death. We are all passing 
into the eternal world, and I hope this providence 
may awaken us all. Should you listen to the 
voice of God which now speaks to you ; — should 
this death be the means of a reformation in this 
place, I could cheerfully give up my dearest earth- 
ly friend, and bless God for striking my comforts 
dead.' " 

The following extracts from the same private 
record, will serve to show, that although his grief 
for a time bordered on melancholy, vet he was not 
13 



142 MEMOIR OF 

a stranger to the perfect peace promised to him 
whose mind is stayed on God. " I thought I had 
support from God. Through the whole scene I 
was composed ; and felt, or wished to feel, dispos- 
ed to say, 

1 1 give my mortal interest up, 
And make my God my all.' 

" The world appeared trifling. I hoped and 
prayed that I might never be entangled with it 
again. Death seemed to have lost its terror. 
God and eternity seemed very near." — *' As I 
passed the grave yard to meet with my people on 
the Sabbath, her grave presented itself to view. 
Though dead, she seemed to speak, and caution 
me to work while the day lasted ; to remember 
that I also must soon lie in the house appointed 
for all the living ; and that I had to address a 
congregation of mortals who were travelling to 
eternity." — " Now, a number of weeks have rolled 
heavily away since the partner of my life has died. 
I find that I have mercies left, and have great 
cause to be thankful. But I feel that there is a 
want of something to render life agreeable, which 
the world cannot afford. The wife of my youth 
is gone, never to return. I can no more tell her 
my joys and sorrows. I can no more do any 
thing for her ; not even bear her on my heart to 
the throne of grace. Her state is unalterably 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 143 

fixed, and I am forbidden to pray for her." — 
" These words have been peculiarly agreeable to 
me in my affliction — 

" Our hearts are fastened to this world 

By strong and tender ties ; 
And every sorrow cuts a string, 

And urges us to rise. * 

' When Heaven would kindly set us free, 

And earth's enchantment end, 
It takes the most effectual means, 

And robs us of a friend.' " 

Again finding favor of the Lord, he was united 
in marriage Jan. 1811, to a person of whom, as 
she still survives him, it is proper to say only that, 
by her discretion and devotedness to the cause of 
Christ, she proved herself worthy of such a hus- 
band. 

The following letter to Gen. W. who was hope- 
fully converted through his instrumentality, shows 
at once the multitude of his avocations at home, 
his readiness to assist in procuring a mis sionary 
for the destitute settlements, and his Christian 
fidelity to a person of considerable distinction. 

" Champlain, Jtug. 1810. 
" Dear Sir, 

" I ought to have answered your former let- 
ter before this time. But my circumstances have 
been such as to prevent me. Our meetings are 
frequent. I have not been able to write the ser- 



144 MEMOIR OF 

mons I have been called to preach. Besides my 
various domestic and parochial avocations, I 
have been out of health, and continue to be so. 
On this account I am determined to take a jour- 
ney to Boston, as soon as I can make prepara- 
tions. 

" I think the subject concerning which you re- 
quest me to write to Dr. Emmons is interesting, 
and claims the first attention of the friends of 
Zion. It is certaiuly mysterious that we have 
heard nothing from him. Perhaps he is sick, or 
on a journey, or the letter has miscarried. 
I cannot think that he would treat the subject 
with indifference. If my health will permit, I 
will visit him or the Trustees of the Missionary 
Society, and use all the influence I have to induce 
them to comply with your request. This method 
would on many accounts be preferable to writing. 
Perhaps however, it would be expedient for you to 
send another letter, repeating your request, and 
stating your circumstances in the most moving 
manner. 

" I have read carefully and repeatedly, the in- 
teresting and affecting epistle you had the good- 
ness to convey to me a few weeks ago. My 
feelings would dictate an answer still more pro- 
lix. But I have neither time nor strength suffi- 
cient. It is now Friday noon, and I expect com- 
pany every moment. 1 have a meeting towards 



AMOS PETTEINGILL. 145 

night, and have not even found a text for the 
Sabbath. 

" I cannot account for the great revolution in 
the exercises of your mind, without supposing 
that old things are passed away with you, and all 
thing in a measure becomes new. This is the 
Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 
But I presume you are too well acquainted with 
the fallibility of human judgment, to put any de- 
pendence on the opinion of men respecting 
the state of your heart. Each one must give 
account of himself to God. Yet it is suita- 
ble for us to seek assistance from one another, 
in our journey towards heaven. It would afford 
me great satisfaction, could I be serviceable to you 
in this respect. I believe it to be your duty to 
embrace the first opportunity of confessing Christ 
before men, by uniting withhis visible church. 

" I perfectly agree with you respecting myste- 
ries. I do not think they ought to be considered 
as the foundation. Yet there are many leading 
truths of the gospel, often called mysterious by 
those who oppose them, which are capable of 
being explained in such a manner as to be under- 
stood by the weakest capacity. These, when 
properly inculcated, tend to edify and comfort the 
children of God. True religion does not con- 
sist so much in a speculative belief of any partic- 
13* 



146 MEMOIR OF 

ular sentiments, as it does in a meek, submissive 
and humble temper of mind, and in a readiness 
to receive instruction from the great teacher who 
came from God, to put unbounded confidence in 
him, and to walk as he also walked. Our proud 
hearts must be humbled. We must habitually 
aim at the glory of Him in whose hand are our 
life and breath, and whose are all our ways. 

" That you may always abound in the work of 
the Lord, and be admitted at last to the reward 
of a good and faithful servant, is the fervent de- 
sire of your friend and brother, 

A. Pettengill." 

Amid frequent bodily infirmities, and intense 
labors for the benefit of his own parish, and of 
many others in the vicinity, Mr. Pettengill spent 
nearly five years at Champlain ; and had circum- 
stances permitted, would have chosen to end his 
days among the people of his first love. Nothing 
had occurred to diminish his affection for them ; 
and there was no abatement of their confidence in 
him. The thought of leaving them was exceedingly 
painful ; and the separation which it was hoped, 
alike by himself and them, would be but temporary, 
was the result of necessity. Our whole country 
had fallen on evil times. 

Much of his salary, which, had the whole been 
punctually paid, would have been scarcely adequate 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 147 

to the exigencies of his increasing family, had long 
been in arrears ; and the defalcation was contin- 
ually becoming greater. This was occasioned 
chiefly by the prospect of war with England ; — 
which fearful prospect induced many of his people 
to remove to places less exposed, and, by produ- 
cing a great scarcity of money, rendered it doubly 
difficult for the remainder to afford him a suitable 
support. The war was expected generally through- 
out the Union, some time before it was actually 
proclaimed ; but by no portion of the public so 
early perhaps, as by those who, like the inhabi- 
tants of Champlain, were peculiarly exposed to its 
dreadful effects. Hence the difficulty of collect- 
ing his stipend had been of some standing ; and 
now it amounted to an impossibility. He contin- 
ued however to subsist on the scanty allowance 
which his people were able to afford him, till after 
the war was declared ; hoping either that the dread- 
ful calamity would be averted, or that if it should 
come, Providence might, in some unforeseen man- 
ner, prepare the way for his continuance with 
them in their troubles, at least for a time. But 
in both these respects, his desires were frustrated. 
No new means of support were found. And 
besides, many of his parishioners were called from 
the scene of his ministrations to enter the army ; 
while agitation and alarms in view of impending 
evils, supplanted the accustomed attention of 



148 MEMOIR OF 

nearly all the residue, to the message he bore 
them from the Lord. Of course, the path of duty 
was plain. To remain longer was impracticable, 
and if possible, would have been nearly useless. 
He therefore left Champlain early in July, 1812, 
and repaired to Middlebury, Vt. the place of his 
wife's former residence, whither herself and the 
children had been removed from the scene of 
danger, some days before. 

The reasons his people had for distressing ap- 
prehensions, and his own concern for their safety, 
cannot probably be better shown, than by subjoin- 
ing part of a petition to the Governor of Ne w 
York, which, at their desire, he drafted just 
before his removal, and which, it is understood, 
was forwarded by the proper municipal authority. 

" To His Excellency, $c. 

" We the inhabitants of the town of Champlain, 
Clinton County, State of New York, feel ourselves 
necessitated to present the following Petition : — 

" In the present critical situation of our country, 
no town perhaps has more cause for serious alarm 
than this ; for we conceive that none would be so 
likely to experience the first fatal effects of war. 

" We have for several weeks past observed with 
much anxiety, the vigorous and uncommon exer- 
tions of the king's subjects. They have already 
raised large forces, which are daily increasing. 
Their whole attention appears to be turned tc 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 149 

warlike preparations. They do not perhaps think 
themselves competent to defend the whole Pro- 
vince of Lower Canada ; yet they may feel dispo- 
sed to seize our defenceless inhabitants, and retire 
with them into the fortifications of Quebec. We 
do not, however, apprehend so much danger from 
the king's troops, as from a horde of miscreants 
who are skilled in the arts of plundering. From 
this description of men we already begin to experi- 
ence insults and depredations. Not only has the 
fermentation so visible in the British dominions, 
reached the refugees and unprincipled wretches 
who are settled near our frontiers ; but the Indians 
who reside within the limits of Canada, likewise 
wait with impatience for permission to make clan- 
destine invasions upon our infant settlements. 
Should the difficulties which exist between our 
government and that of Great Britain, occasion 
hostilities, an actual invasion might give us the 
first information. 

" Living in a frontier town, and our village being 
within less than two miles from the British settle- 
ments, and on the great and only direct land-route 
from Montreal to our Capital, we must be expo- 
sed to the first inroads of the enemy. Hence all 
the forces which your Excellency might see fit to 
send into this region after the commencement of 
hostilities, would come too late to afford us relief. 
Our circumstances being such, it is not timidity, 



150 MEMOIR OF 

but a sense of duty to ourselves, to our families, 
and to our country, that obliges us to inform your 
Excellency of our situation. 

44 From strict inquiry, it is ascertained that we 
have 150 men who are capable of bearing arms ; — 
that we have not more than 15 stand of arms fit 
for actual service ; that we are entirely destitute 
of ammunition, and that it is utterly impossible for 
us to be furnished with either arms or ammuni- 
tion, unless we can receive assistance from your 
Excellency. Considering our peculiar circum- 
stances, we presume your Excellency will not 
deem it impertinent that we earnestly entreat your 
Excellency to send us a supply of arms and 
ammunition, and a small force, together with the 
requisite means to enable us to erect and main- 
tain fortifications for our immediate security.' , 

Nothing could have been more proper in the 
case of those few and defenceless borderers, than 
an application to the Executive of the State for 
aid ; and nothing more manly and respectful than 
the whole petition from which the above extracts 
are taken. And that it was effectual, may be 
inferred from the fact that repeated mention is 
made in his own papers, and in letters received 
from his friends after his removal, of soldiers being 
early stationed in Champlain, and continued there 
during a great part of the war. 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 151 



CHAPTER VI. 

Letter relating to Mr P. while atChamplain. Enters on a third mis- 
sion. Received everywhere with kindness. Helps to repress tho 
evils of war. Visits his own people His kindness to the sick in 
the camp and among his parishirners. Goes on a fourth mis- 
sion. Extracts from his Journal. Dreadful sickness continues. 
Extract from a sermon. Leaves the mission. Preaches at 
Shoreham. Declines settling there. Preaches two years at 
Manchester. Chooses not to settle. Serviceable to other 
churches. Publishes a dissertation. Concern for his people 
at Champlain. 

As Mr. Pettengill had removed from his belov- 
ed people, and was now no more to labor with them 
as their stated pastor, it may be proper to intro- 
duce here, some remarks respecting him and his 
services while at Champlain, contained in a recent 
letter from the respected pastor of a neighboring 
parish. 

J* He came into this vicinity (the second time) 
an ordained missionary ; and every where, where he 
preached, his labors were blest more or less to 
Christians and sinners. The solemnity and pa- 
thos with which he addressed the Almighty, and 
preached the truths of the gospel, left a serious 
impression upon the conscience ; and his services 
were every where spoken of in high terms of ad- 



152 MEMOIR OF 

miration. His private visits from house to house, 
were in the meekness and simplicity of the gospel 
of Christ. His conversation was ready, apt and 
impressive ; and in many instances carried con- 
viction to the heart of the infidel, the sceptic 
and the sinner. I have examined a number of 
persons for church-membership, whose convictions 
which led on to hopeful conversion, were instru- 
mentally occasioned by hearing his prayers, 
preaching or conversation. By the force of truth 
he was always ready to stop the mouths of gain- 
sayers, and opposers of religion ; and was the 
means of the hopeful conversion of Gen. W. a 
learned and distinguished person, which was fol- 
lowed by a similar happy change in many of his 

family. 

" The name of Pettengill will long live as a 
missionary in the heart of many a redeemed soul 
in this region. Many whom he has already met 
in heaven, it is believed, were made the trophies 
of divine grace through his instrumentality, 
have known some on a dying bed confess ths8 
was by the means of that good man, that they 
were brought from 4 hell's dark door' to a happy 
death, and a triumphant prospect of a glorious im- 
mortality. And often have I heard individuals say, 
1 that good man, Mr. Pettengill !' Children and 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 153 

youth loved him because he was simple, humble, 
courteous and affectionate. 

'* In the autumn after his installation, I came 
to C, and, soon becoming acquainted with him, 
found him a wise counsellor, and affectionate fa- 
ther and friend. At my ordination in February 
following, he gave me the right hand of fellow- 
ship ; and never shall I forget how my heart went 
out to him, when, in all the tenderness of Christian 
sympathy, he addressed me. I have thought him 
the most familiar with the Holy Scriptures, and the 
most apt in relating some story derived from the 
Bible, touching different cases, of any man of his 
age, with" whom I have been acquainted. 

tl While my people were in a peculiar state of 
depression of feeling just before an extensive re- 
vival of religion, he preached for me from these 
words, — ' Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith 
your God.' I recollect the plan of his discourse 
to this day. His objects were to show why the 
people of God need comfort, and then to state 
what will comfort them. It produced in my own 
heart, and in the hearts of many others, a remark- 
able state of feeling, and brought us up to action. 
I recollect another occurrence which took place 

at P . It was a time of great darkness and 

depression of spirit among Christians. Sin 
abounded, and the love of many waxed cold, 
14 



154 MEMOIR OF 

Brother Pettengill preached from this text : — ' And 
the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up ; where- 
fore liest thou thus upon thy face ?' Thesermonhad 
a most wonderful effect. Christians awoke, — 
were encouraged ; and the result was the hopeful 
conversion of a number of souls. His influence 

in P , though more than thirty miles distant 

from his own parish, was as great as has been 
that of any other minister. 

" He could say what few other men could, 
without giving offence. He had some peculiari- 
ties which, had they been found in others, might 
have amounted to a fault. But in him they were 
associated with so much artless simplicity, good 
humor and apparent piety, that, instead of sinking 
him in the estimation of those who knew him, 
they served rather to render him the more interest- 
ing. 

44 1 was with him in the heavy affliction he was 
called to sustain in the sudden and unexpected 
death of the wife of his youth. He bore it as a 
Chri: ian, without a murmur. And while many 
came in to comfort him, he preached Jesus to 
them, to the astonishment of us all. — He had 
some severe trials in the church while at Cham- 
plain ; such as instances of excommunication, 
&c. But still the excommunicated felt his worth 
as a vise and pious man ; and one of them said 



AMOS PETTENGILL, 155 

to me a number t)f years afterwards, 4 1 believe 
there are few ministers before him.' 

" A pious lady of Champlain in whose family 
he had resided some time, remarked to me, — 
* We have had a number of good ministers here 
since Mr. P. left us, and a great revival of re- 
ligion ; but after all, no one seems to me in all 
points equal to him. I have never received so 
much instruction from any other man, and espe- 
cially so much knowledge of the Bible. Indeed, 
such was his ability to impart the best instruc- 
tion, and his skill in administering consolation in 
times of sickness and peril, that when he was 
driven from us by the war, my heart was broke, 
and I can never so highly esteem any other minis- 
ter,' 

•* One of the deacons of the church in Champlain 
lately said to me, — ' Mr. Pettengill was univer- 
sally beloved both as a man and a minister of 
Jesus Christ. The scourge of war drove him 
from his field of ministerial labor, and from the 
fond embraces of his people ; but neither war nor 
death can remove him from the bosom of affec- 
tion which his flock bore towards him.' 

" He was the honored instrument not only of 
doing much to advance the cause of Christ in this 
region, during the period of his labors here, but also 
of laying the foundation in this then comparative 



156 MEMOIR OF 

wilderness, of great good for generations to come, 
himself bearing the burden and heat of the day. 
The number that united with the church during 
his residence in Champlain, was sixty-three. But 
could he, just before his removal to a better world, 
have witnessed the acquisitions that have been 
made to the church, together with the improve- 
ment of the roads and appearances generally, 
since he left here ; he would have rejoiced, in the 
recollection of all his fatigues and sufferings in 
this thinly inhabited part of our country, that God 
had chosen him to be the happy instrument of 
preparing the way for the production of so much 
temporal and spiritual good." 

Shortly after his arrival at Middlebury he took 
a journey to Boston, chiefly for the purpose of 
obtaining a commission to re-enter the immense 
field of his former labors as a missionary. He en- 
tered upon the duties of this mission on the 21st 
of August, and spent sixteen weeks in the service 
of the Mass. Miss. Society. And for the infor- 
mation of those who, whether from ignorance or 
malevolence, are in the habit of supposing that 
the life of a missionary is a life of indolence and 
ease ; it may be well to state that during the pe- 
riod of those few weeks, he assisted in forming a 
church at Ticonderoga, attended twelve funerals 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 157 

and many " religious conferences ;" visited seven 
schools and many families ; prayed repeatedly 
with different companies of soldiers, and entreated 
them to enlist under the banner of Christ ; often 
entered the chambers of the sick and the dying ; 
spent much time in the hospitals of our army ; 
distributed among such of the soldiers and inhab- 
itants as could read, very many Bibles and tracts ; 
administered the sacraments of the New Testa- 
ment ; preached seventy-four times, and rode six 
hundred and eighty-tvjo miles. From this summa- 
ry view of his services, it is manifest that his labors 
must have been very arduous ; and yet he lament- 
ed that the state of things throughout that whole 
tract of country, necessitated him to preach much 
less frequently than he desired. The attention of 
the people was distracted not only by the calami- 
ties of war, but by the prevalence of a malignant 
fever, whose ravages had been altogether unparal- 
leled in that extensive region. The majority of 
the inhabitants in very many places, were neces- 
sarily detained from public worship, either by per- 
sonal illness, or by the kind offices demanded in 
behalf of others who were sick. And great num- 
bers of the scattered population were kept from 
places of religious resort, by the impressment of 
their beasts for the use of the army. But as he 
preached les3 than five times a week upon an av- 
14* 



158 MEMOIR OF 

erage, he had the more opportunity to perform re- 
ligious offices at the bed-side of the sick, and to 
administer to the afrlieted the instructions, warn- 
ings or consolations of the gospel, as they sever- 
ally needed. The fever proved mortal in an un- 
usual proportion of cases ; and prevailed not 
less among the soldiers for whom no chaplain 
had been provided, than among the inhabitants of 
a " tract forty miles square," in which, besides 
himself, there appears to have been at that time no 
minister. Notwithstanding, therefore, the causes 
which operated to prevent the assembling of the 
people for religious instruction, as he could have 
wished, it is probable that the benevolent object of 
his mission was equally answered, by the greater 
attention which this circumstance enabled him to 
pay to the moral necessities of the sick and af- 
flicted. Being the sole minister of Christ in that 
extensive region of distress, it is obvious that but 
for his valuable services, great multitudes of dy- 
ing saints and dying sinners would have gone out 
ofthe world, without the benefit of offices almostand 
universally desired bythe righteous and the wick- 
ed, wherever the gospel is known. Hence his pro- 
fessional assiduities were not only arduous, but 
doubly welcome. The rebuke of Heaven had 
fallen upon thousands of the people, and had thus 
prepared vast numbers to hail him as a messen- 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 159 

gerof God, to listen to his counsels, and to ask his 
prayers. And it is the happy lot of few mission- 
aries to be more beloved by those to whom they 
are sent, than he was by the great mass of the 
afflicted inhabitants whom he was commissioned 
to visit. 

His report to the Trustees of the Society that 
employed him, contains the following remarks re- 
lative to this period. "I generally met with a 
cordial reception, and experienced no insult nor di- 
rect opposition from any. I have to lament that my 
labors are attended with so little apparent success ; 
but would hope however that serious addresses to 
the youth, solemn warnings to the impenitent, the 
declarations of the gospel to mourners in Zion, 
and the presentation of the doctrines of grace to 
thousands of attentive hearers, through destitute 
settlements extending about two hundred miles, 
have, by the blessing of God, produced effects in 
some measure answerable to the benevolent de- 
sign of the Society." 

Nor while laboring as a missionary, did he for- 
get that he was an ambassador of the Prince of 
peace. The inhabitants on one side of the line, 
were in hostile array against those on the other. 
The jealousies, exasperations, and predatory dis- 
position, which were chargeable on some of the 
Americans, were amply reciprocated by the neigh- 



160 MEMOIR OF 

boring subjects of the king ; and it was attended 
with difficulty to restrain, not only the unprinci- 
pled and abandoned, but in some instances, intel- 
ligent and respectable people, on both sides of 
the national line, from acts of aggression dictated 
by cupidity or hatred. Both classes of borderers 
were, to a fearful extent, disposed to make a state 
of war a pretext for trampling alike on civil law, 
the dictates of humanity, and the ordinary decorum 
of civilized society. In this alarming posture of 
affairs, the influence of Mr. Pettengill was very 
considerable, and very salutary. The proximity 
of Champlain to the neighboring Province had 
led him, before the commencement of the war, to 
form an acquaintance with many of the English, 
by whom he was still greatly respected. And 
having a passport to visit various places in Canada, 
he was, to a considerable extent, the happy instru- 
ment of mitigating asperities, and repressing out- 
rages on the borders of both nations. This was 
a delicate service ; and that he performed it so 
efficiently, and without giving umbrage to the peo- 
ple of either country, proves him to have been a 
man of no ordinary discretion and prudence. In 
the above-mentioned Report to the Trustees of 
the Missionary Society, there is a passage relative 
to his constant efforts at pacification, which de- 
serves to be subjoined. 



AMOS PETTEIN GILL. 161 

" Though prohibited by my instructions as 
well as by a sense of duty, from entering into po- 
litical controversy, it nevertheless appeared to be 
expedient that I should use my exertionsto prevent 
depredations and bloodshed among neighbors, 
who were now considered as enemies to one 
another, on account of their being divided by the 
Provincial line. For this purpose, I frequently 
passed into Canada in such a manner as not to 
offend either government ; preached to the desti- 
tute British subjects, and urged them from mo- 
tives of religion, humanity and personal safety, to 
restrain themselves, their Indians, and all unprin- 
cipled persons from making, under any pretext, 
depredations upon our defenceless inhabitants. 
As I had long been in the practice of preaching 
occasionally in the British dominions, and as a 
part of my Church and Society belonged there, 
I received very friendly attentions, without excit- 
ing any suspicions. When it was practicable, I 
held meetings near the line, composed of persons 
from both sides, and endeavored to address them 
in an appropriate manner, and to impress it upon 
their minds that a state of war does not alter the 
law of Jehovah, which requires us to love our 
neighbor as ourselves, and to do to others as we 
would that they should do to us. Perhaps my 
exertions to repress local hostilities were superflu- 



162 MEMOIR OF 

ous; but the assurances I gave and received, 
tended to quiet many desponding minds. And it 
is worthy of grateful notice that, though many dis- 
covered a willingness to involve these frontier 
towns in all the horrors of predatory war, not the 
least injury was sustained from the British, nor 
from the hundreds of hostile Indians who fre- 
quently came in sight of the dwellings of our de- 
fenceless inhabitants, armed with the weapons of 
death." 

To his own people at Champlain, he devoted as 
much of his time as was compatible with his duty 
to the other portions of his immense field of labor. 
They were sorely afflicted with the prevailing 
malady, and with all the evils incident to a mili- 
tary station. Amid these calamities, it was na- 
tural for them to spread their sorrows before their 
pastor, and to cherish the hope of his being again 
permanently fixed among them. Hence one of 
his most important parishioners wrote to him ; — 
" I am not without hope that it will be so ordered 
that we may make a suitable provision for your 
return. All the people, I believe, lament your ab- 
sence. There is here a continual scene of con- 
fusion and dismay ; — sometimes troops for our 
protection, who despoil us, and sometimes we are 
threatened and totally unprotected." He visited 
them several times while on this mission. And 



AMOS PETTED GILL. 163 

some idea may be formed of their deplorable situ- 
ation, and of his own ministerial faithfulness, from 
the following brief notices of his labors among 
them for a few days. — " Visited 14 sick soldiers 
at my house, conversed with them, and prayed in 
three rooms." — " Visited the wounded, sick and 
dying. There are 25 of the regular troops sick, 
and 84 of the militia, and a great number of the 
inhabitants — perhaps 140 in the whole. Five 
lay dead yesterday, and two have left the world 
to-day." — " Visited the guard-house ; prayed with 
and exhorted the soldiers. Spent considerable 
time in the evening with the commanding officer, 
and three other officers. Prayed with, and sol- 
emnly exhorted them." — " Heard of several who 
were seized with sickness last night. Visited an 
old Christian in great distress, who is apparently 
near death. Am unwell myself." 

From this interesting mission he returned to 
his family in Middlebury, in the latter part of De- 
cember. About the middle of the following Feb- 
ruary, he entered on another mission to the same 
destitute and afflicted part of the country. And 
considering that the horrors of war were not aba- 
ted, and also that the dreadful epidemic was daily 
spreading and becoming more malignant, it is 
obvious that in revisiting that field of toil and dan- 
ger, he must have partaken largely of the disinter 



164 MEMOIR OF 

estedness of Paul, who, while engaged in a similar 
occupation, counted not his life dear unto himself. 
It was his intention to have made this also a tour 
of sixteen weeks ; but owing to circumstances 
beyond his control, he was absent little more than 
one month. Encouraged by the Board of Mis- 
sions, who, he had been apprehensive, might dis- 
approve of his having devoted so much of his time 
to the afflicted, during his former mission, he paid 
still more attention to them than before. A few 
brief extracts from his journal during that period, 
will afford the best view of the affecting scenes 
he witnessed, and of his solicitude for the bodies 
and souls of the sufferers. Each paragraph re- 
lates to a different date, and generally to a differ- 
ent place. 

"Feb. 1813. the prevailing fever rages in this 
place. In the two adjoining towns, containing 
about 1900 inhabitants, 70 persons have died since 
last fall. I visited the sick in different places, and 
preached in the evening." 

— " Attended the funeral of a man who had lost 
several children, and lately his only son. Preached. 
Visited a sick woman who had lately lost five 
children. Spent the night with a man under seri- 
ous impressions." 

— " Rode to Plattsburg. Sickness prevails 
through all this country. Some who had been in 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 165 

the habit of entertaining missionaries were absent, 
and others sick. Hence I could get no opportu- 
nity to preach." 

— " Exchanged with Mr. W. the only regular 
minister within fifty miles of this place, on this 
side of the lake." 

— " Visited a sick person, and called on several 
families, about thirty persons have died here, 
(Champlain) since the winter commenced, besides 
the soldiers." 

— " Visitedthe hospital twice ; conversedwith the 
sick and their attendants ; gave them a Testament 
and some Tracts, which were gratefully received. 
One young man at the point of death was in great 
distress of mind, and extremely anxious to have 
me with him. There is no chaplain attached to 
the army. The house which the militia used as 
a barrack in this place, accidentally took fire, 
and was consumed. The soldiers awaking from 
sleep, escaped with difficulty. One of them ex- 
pressed much joy that though he had lost his 
watch, he had saved the Bible which I had com- 
mitted to his care last winter." 

— " Visited one family where the woman was 

sick ; — another, where a woman and her daughter 

were dangerously ill," the husbandand three children 

being partially recovered ; and another, where both 

15 



166 MEMOIR OF 

the parents and their seven children had been dan- 
gerously sick together." 

— " Visited a sick woman whose son lay at the 
point of death. One of her children had lately died, 
and four were recovering from this dreadful dis- 
ease, which spreads a gloOm over all this pait of 
the country." 

— " Lodged in a room with a dead man ! who 
has left a wife and seven children. One of them, to- 
gether with many others in the neighborhood, was 
this day violently seized with this alarming 
disorder. Thirty have died in this place, within lit- 
tle more than two months." 

— "xittended the funeral of a man who has left a 
large family. — Preached twice. Visited several 
sick persons. There is at present an unusual at- 
tention to religion in this place. The meetings 
are frequent and crowded. Many are alarmed 
and disposed to inquire what they must do to be 
saved. Some have recently obtained hope. 
There is no minister of any denomination within 
about thirty miles !" 

— " Preached at the funeral of a child whose 
father was dying, and whose mother was very sick. 
He was in great distress, and yet I could not per- 
suade the family to dispense with the sermon." 

The above extracts present a fair specimen of 
the melancholy office which he was called upon 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 167 

to perform from day to day ; and he closes the ac - 
count with these summary remarks; — "I spent 
about five weeks in the service of the society, 
rode above two hundred miles, on missionary 
ground, preached thirty two times, administered 
the Lord's supper once, attended several religious 
conferences and ten funerals, and prayed and con- 
versed with many sick persons who viewed them- 
selves as on the brink of eternity. Such was the 
malignity of this epidemical disease, which raged 
through Vermont and all the northern parts of the 
State of New-York, that when any were attacked 
by it, they expected to die within four or five days. 
Some died within two or three days ; some linger- 
ed a long time and then suddenly died ; many 
died in consequence of a relapse ; many have 
been reduced to a consumptive habit, and few 
have as yet completely recovered. The sickness 
has abated in most of the towns ; but the mourn- 
ful effects will long appear." 

In rendering these kind attentions to the sick 
and bereaved, at the hazard of his own life, he 
strikingly exemplified what he had strenuously in- 
culcated as an important ministerial duty, in an 
ordination sermon delivered in Potsdam the pre- 
ceding year. That discourse was published, and 
the passage alluded to is worthy of an insertion in 
this place. — " He (the minister) must visit the 



168 MEMOIR OF 

sick and dying, to manifest his benevolent regard 
for those who are about to quit the abodes of mor- 
tals. There is indeed, but little reason to ex- 
pect that those who have neglected 'religion while 
in health, will savingly embrace it when on a dy- 
ing bed. But still, they are not beyond the reach 
of saving mercy. He who pardoned the penitent 
thief on the cross, can give spiritual life to dying 
sinners. A minister must seek the salvation of 
his people as long as ihey remain on the shores 
of time. As he is to sow the seed in the morn- 
ing, so he must not withhold his hand in the even- 
ing. In the hour of death, the righteous have pe- 
culiar cause to rejoice. Their toils and troubles 
are at an end, and they are about to enter that 
blissful state where sickness and sorrow can nev- 
er come. But view a sinner on a dying bed ! — 
one who had neglected the great salvation till the 
last sands of life are falling ! all his worldly joys 
have fled. His friends seek in vain to afford him 
relief. Where can he obtain consolation now ? 
Languishing, panting for breath, despairing of life, 
he begins perhaps to turn his attention to the con- 
cerns of his immortal soul. He sees that he has 
entirely neglected the proper business of life, and 
made no preparation for death. He is over- 
whelmed with guilt and remorse. He trembles 
at the thought of eternity. He has no confidence 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 169 

in God, — no hope of future bliss. In distress of 
body and mind, he tries to pray. But his heart is 
hard, his thoughts confused, his whole soul filled 
with darkness. His distress seems as a prelude 
to more severe pains as an anticipation of everlas- 
ting wo. What can be done to afford him peace ? 
shall we persuade him that he may be saved with- 
out a change of heart, or that his heart is already 
changed ? To do this, would be to render his 
destruction certain for the sake of giving him mo- 
mentary comfort ! For if he be deceived now, he 
is lost for ever. However painful it may be, the 
minister must be faithful, and show him the only 
way in which he can be saved.— A minister will 
sometimes be called to the house of mourning, to' 
sympathize with afflicted friends. Here he may 
be tempted to alleviate their distress at the ex- 
pense of official fidelity. It becomes him to con- 
sider however, that while he is not to judge the 
dead, he is to teach the living how to derive im- 
provement from the providences of Heaven. If 
mourners are pious, he may comfort them with 
the assurance that all their troubles are designed 
for their good, and will ultimately prove real bles- 
sings. But what right has he to speak comforta- 
bly to the wicked, when he knows that there is no 
peace to them, and that their affliction is a severe 
reproof for their wickedness, and a solemn call for 

15* 



170 MEMOIR OF 

them to be also ready 1 He must therefore seize 
the advantage which funeral occasions will afford 
him, for impressing serious and alarming truths on 
the conscience, and for calling upon the living to 
prepare immediately for death." 

The unusual depth of snow which rendered the 
roads in his field of missionary service nearly im- 
passable, together with sickness in his own family, 
constrained him to leave this mission before one 
third of the term for which he was engaged had 
expired. And as he found his health too much 
enfeebled to sustain any longer the labors and 
privations incident to what may be appropriately 
called an apostolic life, he proposed now to preach 
chiefly in places where there might be a prospect 
of his permanent settlement; for in his views, it 
was morally certain that his flock in Champlain 
would not soon, if indeed in the course of several 
years, be in circumstances to afford him a comfor- 
table maintenance. Accordingly on the 29th of 
April he went to Shoreham in Vermont, and after 
supplying the people of that flourishing place fif- 
teen Sabbaths, he received a unanimous invita- 
tion to become their pastor. The place itself 
was inviting. The salary proposed was regard- 
ed as competent, and the unanimity of the people 
was a most agreeable circumstance. Still he de- 
clined the offer. He feared that the proximity of 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 171 

the town to the lake would operate to the injury of 
his health, as the vicinity of Champlain to the 
same waters had formerly done. Indeed he was 
now exceedingly infirm. His former hypochon- 
driacal affection returned upon him with great 
power, and filled his mind with discouragement 
and gloom. And though he was at no time the 
subject of mental derangement; yet like many 
others laboring under great nervous debility, he 
cherished certain impressions respecting the 
means of preserving what little health yet remain- 
ed to him, which were in some degree visionary 
and fantastic. These peculiarities were few and 
harmless. Every person who was acquainted 
with him understood their cause ; and upon the 
improvement of his health, they entirely ceased. 

About the middle of July he went to Manches- 
ter, a half shire town in Bennington Co. Vt. After 
preaching there three Sabbaths, he received an invi- 
tation to supply the pulpit for a year. Influenced by 
a regard to the heathfulness of the place, and by a 
fair prospect of usefulness, he complied with the 
proposal. The result was, that he remained with 
that people more than two years. When he first 
arrived, he found the ecclesiastical society small, 
and the church in a declining state. By the bles- 
sing of God on his exertions however, the church 
received considerable accessions, and the congre- 



172 MEMOIR OF 

gation was greatly increased. Their prosperity 
under his ministrations, naturally led them to desire 
his permanent settlement among them. But as 
the stipend which they offered wouldhavebeen bare- 
ly sufficient in ordinary times, and was peculiarly 
inadequate when the calamities of war had nearly 
doubled the necessary expenses of a family, he 
wisely chose to avoid the moral certainty of being 
shortly dismissed, by declining the overture of 
settlement. 

While resident in Manchester, besides diligent- 
ly serving the congregation of which he had the 
temporary charge, he displayed his characteristic 
concern and activity in relation to the interests of 
other churches. If parishes in the vicinity were 
favored with revivals, he was sure to be present 
as a friend and helper ; and sometimes he was 
sent for from places considerably remote, as an 
able assistant on such occasions. 

His sound judgment, and extensive acquaint- 
ance with churches perplexed with cases of disci- 
pline, and other internal difficulties, being known 
soon after he came to Manchester, he was called 
upon to take a part in ecclesiastical councils, on 
occasions of great importance. Thus he was of 
singular service to the church in Rupert, in its 
efforts to administer gospel discipline to a mem- 
ber who had added the sin of refractoriness to the 



AMOS PETTEJNG1LL. 173 

odious crime which was originally charged upon 
him. Most churches of nearly every denomina- 
tion have indulgently passed over the crime al- 
luded to, by requiring, if indeed any thing be re- 
quired, not that the parties, if single, marry each 
other, as well as publicly acknowledge their guilt ; 
but that they simply do the latter. Thus much 
trouble is avoided, and the public are satisfied, 
easily indeed, but whether justly is questionable. 
But to the perpetual honor of the above-mentioned 
church it ought to be stated that they were unani- 
mous in the decision, that the crime of the delin- 
quent whom they were laboring to reclaim, " im- 
posed on him a moral obligation to marry" the 
partner of his guilt. Short of this, they justly re- 
fused to accept of any confession he might offer, 
as a satisfactory evidence of evangelical contri- 
tion. In this decision, the church were sustained 
by the Council which was convened at the request 
of the accused, and of numbers belonging to the 
society, who affected to believe that he was treated 
with rigor and cruelty. Mr Pettengili had tho- 
roughly investigated the subject, and was of emi- 
nent service to his colleagues in their delibera- 
tions upon it. And immediately after the result of 
the Council was read in public, he exhibited a dis- 
eertation which, by fully detailing the Scriptural 
and prudential reasons that swayed the minds of 



174 MEMOIR OF 

the Council, tended to convince the whole audi- 
ence, that the previous decision of the church was 
demanded both by revelation and reason. This 
dissertation, bearing the title of " Fornication 
binds the criminal parties to marry," was shortly 
afterwards published, and did equal honor to his 
understanding and his heart. 

But amid all his labors for the spiritual benefit 
of others, he ceased not to sympathize with his 
flock at Champlain, and to impart to them, as he 
had opportunity, appropriate counsels and en- 
couragement. This is sufficiently evident from a 
letter to a distinguished member of his church, 
dated Manchester, July 20, 1814. — " I sympa- 
thize with you, and pray God to remove your em- 
barrassments. I think of you, particularly on the 
Sabbath. When I can peacefully meet with the 
people of God to worship him, my mind is led to 
reflect on your situation, compared with what it 
has been." 

" I feel distressed for the church. Though I do 
not know any thing particular about them ; yet I 
fear that the rumors and tumults of the place, 
divert their attention from those things which re- 
late to Christ's kingdom, and that they do not 
appear bold in the cause of God, where Satan's 
seat is. O that Christians in Champlain may 
realize what an opportunity God is now giving 



AMOS FETTENG1LL. 1^5 

them, to show to the world the blessed effects of 
the real spirit of Christianity ; and that they may 
come out, be separate, and let it fully appear to 
the hosts of infidels and blasphemers around them, 
that they have the spirit of Christ, and are not 
ashamed of his cause. Do request every brother 
of the church to watch and pray, to maintain re- 
ligion in his family, to converse much on the 
truths of the Gospel, to exhort one another, and 
to meet frequently for prayer. Entreat them not 
to dispute with any about worldly things, and not 
let the concerns of the world engross their atten- 
tion. Let infidels — let all those who have their 
portion in this life, meditate on war, and engage 
in scenes of blood ; but it becomes the disciples 
of Jesus to remember that their Master's kingdom 
is not of this world. 

" God is reviving his work in many places, in a 
glorious manner. O that he may again visit 
Champlain. Do not despair. Nothing is impos- 
sible with him. 

" It is doubtful whether it will ever be consistent 
for me to remove my family to Champlain. I 
have almost despaired of this. But I do hope 
that the ordinances of the Gospel may again be 
regularly administered among you. — I sometimes 
feel an anxious wish to warn every one of you 
from house to house with tears. But I am not 



176 MEMOIR OF 

certain that I should be any more faithful than 
formerly, were I to be among you again. I am 
dependant on the grace of God for every holy 
desire and resolution. I know I preached the 
truth. I gave many solemn warnings to the 
people, and think I prayed for them with sincere 
desires. O that the seed sown there may, by the 
blessing of God, have great effect, and that the 
fruits of it may be abiding. 

" I think of the dear youth who are attending 
the school of vice in Champlain. Must we con- 
clude that they are all vessels of wrath fitting for 
destruction 1 I hope that some of them may be 
plucked as brands from the burning. Remind 
the church of their solemn obligations to their 
children, to keep them at home as much as may 
be consistent, till the indignation be overpast, to 
instruct them in the ways of the Lord, to catechise 
them, and pray with them. I hope to see you 
soon ; but it is uncertain. Pray for me. 

Yours, &c. 

A. Pettengill." 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 177 



CHAPTER VII. 

Leaves Manchester. Visits South Farms. Invited to settle. Dis- 
missed from his flock at Champlain. Installation. Is much 
among his people. Series of sermons. Pupils from the Sand- 
wich Islands. Revival. Descrip'ion of an evening meeting. 
Loses a child. Troubles in his parish. Council called. Tem- 
perance address. Increase of commotion. Meeting of Conso- 
ciation. Difficulties continue. His dismission. 

During Mr. Pettengill's residence at Man- 
chester, he had several invitations to visit other 
places, and preach as a candidate for settlement. 
One of these was from a flourishing town in 
Montgomery county, in the State of New York. 
The situation on many accounts was agreeable. 
The application was urgent, and the stipend which 
he had reason to expect, would have been ade- 
quate to the support of his family, now becoming 
numerous. But he had long been convinced that 
a more southern c'imate would be serviceable to 
his health, which had often been seriously injured 
by the winters of the north. Therefore, declining 
all other applications, he readily complied with a 
request to visit the people in South Farms, a 
parish in the township of Litchfield, Connecticut. 
He arrived there Nov. IS, 1815. 
16 



178 MEMOIR OF 

Previous to his arrival however, the parish had 
been so divided in opinion respecting another worthy 
candidate who had labored among them, and whom 
a respectable majority had invited to become their 
pastor, that the Consociation, when assembled for 
the purpose of installing him, thought it inexpe- 
dient to proceed to the service. As might have 
been expected, the disappointment of one portion 
of the people, and the gratification of the other, 
occasioned by this prudent step of the Consocia- 
tion, were followed by a considerable increase ot 
acrimony and dissension. The majority would 
naturally be inclined to use language calculated to 
irritate the minority ; and these again would as 
naturally be disposed to indulge in expressions of 
triumph, equally fitted to exasperate the ill 
will of the others. So great were the alienation 
and discord among the people, as to afford smill 
hope that the parish would soon be very generally 
united in any candidate whom they might employ. 

Mr. Pettengill had been at South Farms but a 
short time, before he discovered the deplorable 
effects of the original dissension ; and though he 
knew of no person directly opposed to himself, 
and found many of both parties anxious that he 
should become their pastor; still, he was very 
doubtful as to the result of the meeting which 
was shortly to b@ held, for the purpose of ascer- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 179 

taining the minds of the people respecting his set- 
tlement among them. The following portion of a 
letter to his wife at that time, affords a happy 
specimen of solicitude tempered by a calm reliance 
on God. — " My prospects are on the whole, I 
think, as favorable as could be expected. I do 
not learn that any are opposed to me. The 
opposers of Mr. W. are apparently very friendly. 
His friends are likewise very cordial ; though 
some of them, I imagine, are still unwilling to give 
him up, as he remains unsettled. He and his 
wife have been here most of the week. They are 
both very desirous that I should settle here. 

" Preparations are now making for the purpose 
of giving me a call. But I find there is some 
division respecting the manner of doing it. — How 
the matter will terminate, it is difficult to say. I 
believe, however, there will really be a meeting 
the second week in January. If they can agree 
how to proceed, they will probably divide respecting 
the salary. I mention these things, that your 
mind may be prepared for the worst. If it be 
best that I should settle here, God will provide the 
way. I have nothing to do but to commit myself 
to him, and act the part of a faithful minister while 
he continues me here. I hope you will daily re- 
member my case at the throne of grace. 

" As 1 cannot foresee what will be the result of 



ISO MEMOIR OF 

the meeting, it is impossible to determine how 
soon it will be expedient for me to return to you. 
I am desirous of seeing you, but I am very com- 
fortable, and contented to remain here for the 
present. I hope that through the blessing of 
Heaven, we may soon be in a situation to rejoice 
together, and unitedly return thanks, to the Giver 
of every good and perfect gift. But let us be 
submissive to the God of all grace and consola- 
tion, respecting our worldly circumstances ; and 
so live on earth as that we may, on good ground, 
anticipate the time when we shall meet in Heaven 
to part no more." 

He did not, however, wait for the expected meet- 
ing of the parish, but set out on a journey to his 
family in Manchester, on the 8th of Jan., having 
attended numerous religious meetings on the week 
days, and visited nearly every family belonging to 
the society, during the seven weeks which he 
spent in the place. Shortly after his departure, 
the church and society forwarded to him an invi- 
tation to settle with them in the gospel ministry. 
The call, though not unanimous, was sufficiently 
so, to incline him to accept it. But he was still 
the pastor of another flock ; and before he could 
return a favorable answer to the communication 
from South Farms, a journey to Champlain was 
requisite. This he performed and on the the 21st 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. Igl 

Feb., was released from his pastoral charge in 
that place. And in the minutes of the council that 
dismissed him, it is stated : — " The church bear 
testimony to the exemplary deportment, Christian 
character, and ministerial abilities of their beloved 
pastor ; and with reluctance and grief, consent to 
his departure from them." 

On the 30th of March, he signified his accept- 
ance of the call he had received from the parish of 
South Farms, and was installed April 17, 1816. 
During his residence with that people, there was 
little so peculiar in his occupation, or so eventful 
in his life, as to require particular mention. Sta- 
tioned now in one of the older settlements in New 
England, where the characterand habits of thebulk 
of the people are remarkably homogeneous, and 
where of course, the duties of the sacred office are 
settled and well defined, he had few occasions for 
the exhibition of graces, or the performance of 
services, that were not demanded of his brethren 
throughout the county and the State. Still there 
are a few notices respecting him while there, which, 
whether peculiar or otherwise, it may be useful to 
record. 

His fidelity in the discharge of what is some- 
times rather technically called parochial duty, was 
highly creditable to him as a man of industry and 
pietv. He was much abroad among his people. 
16* 



182 MEMOIR OF 

His habits while in college, and afterwards while 
traversing the new settlements as a missionary, 
eminently fitted him to delight in religious visits, 
and had matured his capacity to render them 
improving to others. His general knowledge was 
extensive, his mode of communication familiar and 
easy, and his interest in the intellectual and moral 
culture of his parishioners, deep and constant. 
His intelligence commended him to people of 
cultivated understandings, — his humility, to per- 
sons in the lower walks of life, — his knowledge of 
casuistry, to such as were perplexed with honest 
scruples, and his ardent piety, to all who loved 
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. These per- 
sonal qualifications, combined with a naturally 
strong relish for society, brought him much into 
contact with his flock, and greatly to their advan- 
tage. Surely his character and motives were not 
duly appreciated, when the fact of his having visit- 
ed almost the whole parish previous to his instal- 
lation, was, by certain persons, brought against 
him as an article of charge, and imputed to a 
sinister design. 

It spoke well for his industry also that, although 
he had previously amassed a large stock of ser- 
mons, he seldom made any direct use of them, 
except when the preparation of new discourses 
was rendered difficult or impossible, by the urgen- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 183 

cy of paramount duties. While some others of 
less studious habits, would have made such a 
treasure an excuse for remitting their diligence in 
the study ; he valued his former sermons, chiefly 
because the composition of them had been the 
means of qualifying himself to prepare others of 
greater merit. On the table of almost no minister 
who has remained with the people of his first 
choice, can there be found more papers containing 
texts to be preached upon, plans of sermons, and 
hints for such plans, than were ordinarily to be 
seen on his ; and of all the brethren in the vicin- 
ity there were none more active than himself 
both in proposing and eliciting, in the ministerial 
circle, themes to be discussed in the pulpit. He 
loved investigation, and shrinking from no labor 
that might increase the prospect of his usefulness, 
it was not often that his flock were not fed with 
food selected and prepared especially for their use. 
To excite the attention of his hearers, and lead 
them to the study of the Bible in the chronological 
order of its contents, he adopted a somewhat novel 
but very useful course. He commenced a long 
series of discourses, beginning with the first chap- 
ter of Genesis, and taking in succession almost 
every text, which struck his mind as affording a 
profitable subject for public discussion. Nearly 
every chapter as far as he went, furnished him 



184 MEMOIR OP 

with at least one text, and most chapters with two 
or more. The plan combined, to a great extent, 
the advantages of regular exposition, with those 
of formal discussion and close application. Thus 
almost every historical event, miraculous interposi- 
tion, moral precept and doctrinal truth, were 
brought before his congregation, in the order of 
their occurrence on the sacred pages ; and the 
instruction to be derived from each, as modified 
by the context, were carefully pointed out. The 
people generally, were much interested in this 
course of sermons. As they could often antici- 
pate the passage that was next to be brought into 
view, not a few of them examined it with care, 
previous to the public discussion ; from which 
they returned to investigate the passage anew, 
in the light of what had been advanced from the 
pulpit. It was Mr. Pettengill's intention when he 
entered upon this course, to have continued it 
through at least all the historical portions of the 
Bible. He did not commence it till several years 
after his connexion with his present people ; but 
at the time of his dismission, he had prepared 
towards a hundred discourses belonging to this 
interesting series. 

In Nov. 1816, several natives of the Sandwich 
Islands, previous to their connexion with the 
Foreign Mission school at Cornwall, were com- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 185 

mitted to his care and received into his family, 
as pupils. Among these were the lamented Hen- 
ry Obookiah, who was called home to Christ while 
qualifying himself to proclaim the gospel to his 
heathen brethren ; — and Thomas Hoopoo. now 
laboring as an efficient auxiliary to our missiona- 
ries in those Islands. They were permitted t© 
witness his example and receive his instructions, 
nearly half a year. And when it shall be disclosed 
how much these Continents shall have been 
indebted to his agency in helping to form the 
characters of Newell and Ashmun ; it may ap- 
pear that his influe nee on these Isles of the 
Sea, thus mediately exerted, was no less salutary. 
If he was indefatigable in his study and the pul- 
pit, he was not less so in different parts of his 
parish during the week time. Not only the 
school-houses, but various dwellings of his peo- 
ple, filled sometimes to overflowing, were made 
to resound with his voice by day and by night. 
Thus he was instant in season and out of season. 
And notwithstanding some peculiarly untoward 
and disheartening circumstances, his efforts were 
crowned with a blessing. The Spirit of God de- 
scended upon many of his people, in the years 
1818 and 1819 ; and although the revival was 
confined mostly to one section of th© parish, num- 



186 MEMOIR OF 

bers were hopefully turned from the power of Satan 
unto God. Of these, eighteen were received into 
the church at one time, and some others after- 
wards. 

The following part of a letter to a pious corres- 
pondent in Champlain, deserves to be inserted, as 
it describes an interesting scene connected with 
the early part of this revival, and also as it dis- 
closes his still affectionate remembrance of his 
former flock, and his efforts to promote their spir- 
itual good. 

" God has been pleased to favor us with a 
season of refreshing. Half of my church have 
at length awaked. Twelve or more of the youth 
have recently obtained hope in Christ. Many 
are deeply impressed. We have very strong ex- 
pectations of a general revival. Pray that we 
may not be disappointed. At the west part of 
my society which is thinly settled, 1 have two 
evening meetings in a week, in a ball-room. 
Sometimes three hundred attend. We have be- 
sides, two or three other meetings in the evening 
which are well attended. 

" Soon after the revival began, I attended a meet- 
ing at a private house, which was filled. I dis- 
missed the people at 9 o'clock, but none retired. 
It was soon found that several of the youths who 
had been stupid and giddy, were so borne down 
by a sense of their sins, and exposure to the end- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 187 

lens wrath of God, that they were unable to help 
themselves. Their extreme agony and heart- 
rending cries produced such sympathy, that nearly 
the whole congregation were in tears. At 10 
o'clock, I urged the people to retire. But some 
tarried all night, and I among the rest. Eight or 
nine of those who were the most distressed, ob- 
tained relief in a few days. Since that, the work 
has been more calm and gradual. Rev. Mr. 
Beecher, in whose society the work commenced, 
informs me that he had a similar meeting, and 
could not induce the people to retire till 1 1 o'clock 
at night. 

" One little girl about five years old, has been 
the subject of convictions, and now gives as much 
evidence of being truly converted, as her age and 
degree of knowledge will permit. 

" If professors of religion in Champlain will 
arise, and humbly and believingly labor with all 
their might to obtain a revival, God will shower 
salvation down. Be entreated to exert your in- 
fluence to effect this. Tell the brethren and sis- 
ters that they have enlisted into the service of 
Christ, and are sacredly bound to exert them- 
selves to the utmost to promote his cause. Show 
those who are without, that you are laboring to en- 
ter into that rest which God has promised, and that 
you are solicitous to induce them to go with you. 



188 MEMOIR OF 

Urge them as you have opportunity, to come to 
Christ. They will not be offended by your re- 
proof and entreaties, if they find that you are influ- 
enced by a benevolent regard for their best inter- 
est." 

"As he had drunk deep of the cup of affliction, 
while laboring as the stated pastor of his former 
people, so that the hand of God touched him here 
also. On the 23d of March 1820, he was called 
to commit to the grave an uncommonly promising 
little son, in the third year of his age. The com- 
plaint of this lovely child was peculiarly calculated 
to fill the parental heart with anguish. But the effect 
of the chastisement was great and salutary. It 
obviously increased in the parent that enviable but 
nameless feeling, in which were united the grav- 
ity of sorrow and the cheerfulness of submission. 
It is believed that no bereaved parent will demand 
en apology for the insertion of the following brief 
a : ount of the sickness and death of that child, 
w eh Mr. Pettengill recorded for his own private 
use. " The swelling is exceeding large, and has 
almost filled his mouth. His breathing is ex- 
trembly laborious. We were called up last 
nigh; *;o see him die. He however revived. A 
deep incision was made in his mouth, and under 
his ear ; but nothing but blood was emitted. He 
lingered till the 19th of March (nearly four 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 189 

months) when his brain was evidently pressed. 
One eye was crowded from the socket and de- 
stroyed ; the other was turned up into his head. 
He still appeared to have his reason ; was pleased 
with singing, and would frequently say in his 
broken manner, ' Sing more.' He was a lovely 
child. Through his long and distressing sick- 
ness, he was as quiet as a lamb." 

But he had other severe trials which none but 
ministers of the gospel can know, and of which, 
through the mercy of God, some of them even, 
have no experience. His people were never uni- 
versally united in him. He found them, as has 
been before remarked, in a deplorably divided 
state ; and his settlement did not result, as was 
hoped, in the restoration of entire harmony. Al- 
though the number of- those who opposed his 
installation was small, and although a portion of 
them were understood by the Consociation to 
intimate, that if he were placed over them in the 
Lord, they should sit quietly under his ministry ; 
yet the disaffection shortly after his settlement, 
began to be alarming both by its openness and its 
gradual diffusion. 

To go fully into a historical detail of the diffi- 
culties which ensued, would be not only an invidi- 
ous and 'painful task, but a departure from the 
main design of this Memoir. Those difficulties 
17 



190 MEMOIR OF 

are past. His people were happily united in his 
worthy successor ; and he himself has gone to his 
rest. But as it became necessary in process of 
time, to submit to ecclesiastical tribunals certain 
matters which by some were thought to implicate 
his character, justice to his memory requires that 
the decisions of those judicatories, so far as they 
related to him, be presented. 

On the 13th of Jan. 1818, a select Council of 
ministers and delegates were called from a distance 
to investigate the deplorable state of things in the 
parish, and to give appropriate advice. And in 
their remarks to the church they say : — " We have 
discovered nothing in the course of this very 
particular and lengthy discussion to impeach the 
orthodoxy or discretion of the Pastor ; and the 
Council hope that the Minority will feel on due 
reflection, that there can be no sufficient reason 
for withdrawing from the ministry of so good and 
faithful a Pastor." 

But the advice of the Council was of no avail 
to the restoration of harmony among the people. 
The disastrous excitement from causes which, in 
other circumstances, would have produced little or 
no unhallowed feeling, was not only prolonged, 
but augmented. Hence it becafne exceedingly 
difficult for the Pastor to take any step in the 
discharge of his official duties, without rendering 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 191 

himself obnoxious to illiberal remark, or direc* 
opposition. 

But in nothing did he give more offence to , 
numbers, than in his benevolent, and, it is believ- 
ed, judicious efforts to stay the progress of 
intemperance. The cause of temperance had 
from his youth, lain near to his heart. In college » 
he was ils open and laborious advocate ; and not a 
few of his most benevolent and splendid efforts for 
the good of his fellow students, consisted in his 
bold and vigorous advocacy for strict temperance. 
And during all his subsequent life, his epistolary 
correspondence with his relatives, and some of his 
other friends, not unfrequently relates as much 
to this important subject as to any other. Feeling 
so intensely as he did, and using his best efforts 
to guard his distant friends against the evils of 
intemperance, it was not to have been supposed 
that he would utterly hold his peace among the 
people of his own parish. That the undue use of 
ardent spirit prevailed to a greater degree among 
his own people, than in other parishes generally, 
cannot be admitted. — Surely it was not supposed 
by himself. But that some of his parishioners 
were drunkards, and that the bulk of them, like the 
great body of perhaps every other community at 
that period, were in the habit of using spirit almost 
or quite daily, was sufficient to fill him with alarm, 



192 MEMOIR OF 

and prompt him to labor in the cause of reform. 
At his instance, therefore, a number of the most 
respectable people in his parish agreed to meet, 
in company with such others as might choose to 
assemble, in order " to consult together respect- 
ing the most suitable measures that might be 
taken to prevent the unnecessary use of ardent 
spirits, and to form a Society for that purpose, if 
it should appear expedient." Such was the lan- 
guage of a writing signed by those individuals for 
the purpose of specifying the particular objects of 
the contemplated meeting, and of certifying their 
own determination to attend it. 

At that meeting, which took place in June 1820, 
Mr. Pettengill delivered an address, in which he 
pourtrayed the evils of intemperance, and stated 
his own opinion as to the number of tipplers, and 
the probable quantity of spirits annually consumed 
within the bounds of the parish. This, while it 
iritated most of his opposers, gave unreasonable 
offence to some others who had ranked themselves 
on the side of his friends. Had he inculcated the 
modern doctrine of entire abstinence in all cases 
of ordinary health, — the only doctrine, the practi- 
cal belief of which promises any considerable and 
lasting diminution of the evil in question, — it. is 
difficult to say what convulsions would have ensu- 
ed. But he did not go to that very desirable and 




AMOS PETTENGILL. 193 

necessary extent ; although he approached nearer 
to it than most religious teachers in those times 
of comparative darkness, when as yet, the noble 
discovery of the true and only remedy against 
intemperance was not made, viz. entire abstinence. 
He pleaded ably against the use of spirituous liquors 
by persons in health, and against giving it to visi- 
tors or laborers ; but he allowed that it might be 
serviceable in cases of uncommon fatigue, great 
exposure to wet or cold, and in old age. Hitherto 
he himself had learned no further ; of course he 
taught not beyond this point. 

The following earnest appeal to his auditors, 
extracted from the address referred to above, v ill 
be read by many with deep interest, not only on 
account of its intrinsic excellence, but because it 
is the offspring of a bold and original mind which, 
at that early period, had advanced to the very 
threshold of the discovery just alluded to, and was, 
perhaps, the first in the State to project the forma- 
tion of a Temperance Society. 

" God calls on us to exert all the influence he 
has given us to prevent this moral contagion from 
spreading ; — to arrest the progress of death, and 
save the rising generation. We have but a short 
time to live. What we do to benefit our fellow 
creatures, must be done quickly. Here is a work 
to do that we cannot leave to posterity. If we 
17* 



194 MEMOIR OF 

shrink from it, they will not be able to perform it. 
what misery will descend to them, unless the 
curse be averted by our exertions ! JYW, there 
are many sober judicious men on the stage who 
can, by united exertions, stem the torrent of intem- 
perance ; but if the present generation do nothing 
on the subject, the evil will increase, and over- 
whelm those who follow us. 

u Can you endure the thought that this delightful 
place should be converted into a Sodom? I have 
traveled through a considerable part of five States, 
and made some observations on the various towns 
that have come to my view ; but I think I can say 
that I never have yet seen a place more delight- 
fully situated thin this is, nor a place where the 
inhabitants had an opportunity to enjoy more of 
the comforts of life. This place is remarkably 
healthful, and well supplied with wood and water ; 
and the land sufficiently fertile, is capable of yield- 
ing much more than enough to supply the wants 
of the inhabitants. Here the advantages of edu- 
cation have been extensively enjoyed ; and here 
religion has been repeatedly revived. The provi- 
dence of God has in every respect, distinguished 
this place by mercies. And yet many are ready to 
cry out, l Hard times !' — ' How scarce money 
j s >! — But what has made the times hard] Wo 
have not, to such an extent as the frontier settle- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 195 

ments, been oppressed by embargo and war ; nor 
have we like the manufacturing towns, been sub- 
ject to the embarassments which the sudden polit- 
ical changes of the world have produced. There 
has been no drought or frost to destroy the fruits 
of the earth ; and there has been no wasting sick- 
ness to impoverish us. 

" Now, were we a strictly temperate people, we 
might as a community enjoy not only all the com- 
forts, but most of the luxuries of life, notwithstand- 
ing the times. But our surplus produce has 
been consumed in the stills to procure poisonous 
liquor, and our money has been sent to support 
slavery in the West Indies, as well as to procure 
the means of subjecting ourselves to a slavery ten 
times more dreadful. — Hard times, sure enough ! 
And the times will be harder still, unless there is 
a speedy reformation. Should the earth yield a 
thousand fold spontaneously, and gold and silver 
become as plenty as the stones of the street, the 
times would be hard, so long as the inhabitants 

weekly drank gallons of ardent spirits. This 

is a greater curse than would be blasting and 
mildew through our fields, or even a pestilence 
that walketh in darkness. It destroys property, 
reputation and health, and sinks immortal souls to 

perdition. 

M But you will ask, 'What can be done 1 



196 MEMOIR OF 

Something can and must be done to check the 
horrid evil, or we are a ruined people. Will you 
sit down and fold your hands, and s ty that the 
health, prosperity, reputation and beauty of South 
Farms are gone for ever ! — that there is no balm 
in Gilead ! — no remedy ! — The practice of drink- 
ing must be rendered disreputable. This will be 
done, if the sober part of the community unitedly 
express their feelings relative to this subject, and 
at the same time avoid the appearance of evil 
themselves. — One cannot do this alone. Should 
he attempt it, his motives would not be apprecia- 
ted. He would be considered as stingy or parsi- 
monious, or contracted in his views. But let us 
unitedly agree to do this, and publicly express our 
feelings, and then it will be seen that we act on 
principle, — that we restrain ourselves for the 
public good, — in a word, that we are influenced 
by benevolence. 

" This is not the work of a day, nor of a year. 
We must continue it through life. The moral 
societies formed a few years ago, did a great deal 
of good, and would have done much more, had 
they been continued. But as soon as they relaxed, 
intemperance rolled in again like a flood. We 
now have opportunity to render the practice of 
drinking disreputable in this place. Do this, and 
you will restrain the great mass of the community. 



AMOS PETTENGTLL. 197 

None will be found tippling at the stores, except 
those who are lost to all sense of shame and 
honor, and they may be restrained by the execu- 
tion of the laws. We must not believe, for a 
moment, that the evil is incurable. The expres- 
sion of such fears tends to encourage the vice. 
I do not believe that drunkards are able to bear 
down all the virtue, integrity and good sense of 
this place." 

Notwithstanding the general ignorance, and 
general corruption of public opinion, on this 
subject at that time, it seems strange that an 
address, combining so much " good sense," benev- 
olence and mildness, should have had the effect to 
awaken more prejudice, and increase the existing 
ferment among his people. But this was in fact 
the case. 

Dissatisfaction with the pastor and dissension 
among the people, continued without abatement 
till, at his request and in concurrence with the 
committee of the church, the Consociation were 
called li to investigate certain reports in circula- 
tion injurious to his character." They convened 
April 10, 1821, and continued their sessions four 
days. In their result they say, " we still regard 
Mr. Pettengill, as we ever have done, as a sound, 
faithful and judicious minister of the gospel." 
And they added, " Mr. Pettengill has done noth- 
ing by which in our opinion, he has forfeited his 



198 MEMOIR OF 

reputation as a judicious and able preacher of the 
gospel, and a faithful, wise and devoted pastor of 
the flock committed to his care." 

But as asperities were not allayed by the agen- 
cy of the Consociation, and as there was no rea- 
sonable prospect that the people would ever be- 
come sufficiently united in him as their pastor, he 
was at his own request, dismissed from them Jan. 
9, 1822. And that nothing had as yet occurred 
to impair his Christian and ministerial character* 
may be inferred from the following sentence ex- 
tracted from the minutes of the Consociation. 
" We sympathize with our brother in the trials to 
which he has long been, and still is subjected, 
and rejoice that we can cordially recommend him 
to the churches as a minister in good and regular 
standing ; and at the same time we unite in our 
prayers for his future prosperity and success." 

Had the parish been united in opinion and feel- 
ing when he came into the place, there is little rea- 
son to doubt that he would have continued there be- 
loved by all, till the day of his death. But the divis- 
ions and contentions which he had no agency in orig- 
inating, and which, though they continued to in- 
crease, were not aggravated, it is believed, by 
any unchristian conduct on his part, rendered the 
separation necessary no less in the judgment of 
the Consociation, than in his own view, and that 
of the people. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 199 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Removes from the scene of controversy. Preaches at Salem. Is 
invited to settle. Accepts the call, but deters settlement. Is 
installed. His situation desirable. Superintends a school- 
His attention to astronomy. Publishes a manual on the sub- 
ject. Invents the Stellarota. Description of the instrument. 
Successful in his school. Laborious in his parish. Revival Of 
religion. The work is checked. Feels for the church in 
Champlain. His 'attention to the subject of prophecy. The 
two Witnesses. Sermon on the seventh trumpet. Chart of 
prophecy. Last interview with Mr. Ashmun. Letter to the 
father of Mr. A. 

To prevent the possible increase of discord, 
which Mr. Pettengill's bare residence in South 
Farms might occasion, as well as to avoid the im- 
putations and other trials, to which a longer fa- 
miliarity with the scene of controversy might sub. 
ject him, he removed with his family, sometime 
in March, to a neighboring parish. And after 
visiting two or three vacant congregations in the 
State of New York, he complied with an invita- 
tion to supply the pulpit in Salem, a parish in the 
township of Waterbury, and county of New Ha- 
ven. 

His first sermon in that place was delivere d 
May 5th ; and on the twentieth of the same 
month, the people gave him an unanimous call to 



200 MEMOIR OF 

take the pastoral care of them in the Lord. He 
returned an affirmative answer, on the 17th of the 
following month. And although he continued to 
labor with them, he judiciously chose to defer his 
installation for a considerable time. They had 
heard him but three sabbaths, before they chose 
him to be their minister ; and he thought it possi- 
ble that a longer acquaintance with him and his 
performances, might modify the general sentiment 
now so much in his favor. And besides, as Sa- 
lem was but about fifteen miles from the parish 
he had just left, he deemed it advisable for a while 
to await the effect which any unfavorable reports 
from the latter place might have to diminish the 
present warm attachment of the people to himself. 
In this he displayed much of his characteristic 
considerateness and prudence. It is believed 
however, that no such reports followed him to his 
disadvantage. And it is certain that the same 
unanimity continued among the people at Salem, 
which existed when they first requested him to 
become their pastor. Accordingly, he was in- 
stalled Jan. 1, 1823. When he removed his fam- 
ily thither, the July preceding, he very pleasantly 
remarked, " I am doing as Abram did, ' going on 
still toward the south.' " 

The parish was small, and for several years 
had been destitute of a pastor. Yet, owing to the 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 201 

ministry of the word which, with some help from 
the Domestic Missionary Society of Conn, had 
been generally maintained ; and especially to the 
outpourings of the Spirit which, in one instance, 
were general and powerful, both the church and 
congregation were preserved from any considera- 
ble decay. The early effect of his labors, was 
the increase of the Society in respect to numbers 
and pecuniary ability. The drooping heads were 
raised, and the feeble knees were strengthened. 
Secular business seemed to receive a new im- 
pulse, and, as is usual, when Christ's institutions 
are maintained and reverenced, larger measures 
of worldly prosperity were extensively enjoyed. 

Previous to his settlement here, he had never 
been in circumstances altogether so inviting. At 
Champlain, he had an affectionate people ; but he 
was annoyed from the first by penury, and soon 
by the distraction of war. And such was the 
state of things at South Farms during nearly the 
whole of his ministry there, that with all his pa- 
tience and equanimity, his soul was exceedingly 
tried. But here he found rest ; and was more 
than once heard to remark, that his residence at 
Salem was the most quiet and pleasant period of 
his life ; and also, that his situation was so desir- 
able, that he could not but entertain apprehensions 

IS 



202 MEMOIR OF 

of some sore providential visitation upon him- 
self or his family. 

That a man of his piety and attainments, and 
placed in such pleasing circumstances, should 
have labored with fidelity and with success, was 
to have been expected. He early entered on the 
important work of visiting his people from house 
to house, and continued to prosecute it as his 
other avocations and health would allow. And if 
there were any who, from a censorious disposi- 
tion, or from an almost venial ignorance of the 
multiplicity of duties which devolve on a minister, 
were inclined to complain that they were not 
visited with sufficient frequency ; still the instan- 
ces were few ; and it is not known that among 
all the Protestants there is a single settled minis- 
ter, who, however faithful he may be in this res- 
pect, entirely escapes the imputation of deficience* 

As advantages for the attainment of an educa- 
tion superior to what was gained in the common 
schools, had seldom been afforded to the youth of 
his congregation, his tender regard for their best 
good induced him, during several winters, to su- 
peradd to all his toilsome duties as a minister, the 
task of initiating such of them as desired the pri- 
vilege, into the first principles of a thorough edu- 
cation. To encourage general attendance, he 
exacted but a small compensation for his servi- 



AMOS KETTENG1LL. 203 

<ces ; and that his pupils might not be disheartened 
by his absence, he commonly denied himself the 
privilege of attending the periodical meetings of 
his brethren in ihe ministry. 

As he was particularly fond of imparting in- 
struction to the young, so he was eminently fitted 
for the employment by his natural and moral qua- 
lities. H ; s statements were clear, his illustra- 
tions simple and striking, and his patience with 
even the dullest of his pupils, nearly invincible. 
He was remaikably pleased with the science of 
Astronomy, not only because of the physical gran- 
deur of its stupendous objects, but chiefly on ac- 
count of its tendency to improve the heart, by a 
disclosure of the wisdom, power, and majesty of 
God. Hence he took very special pains to im- 
bue the minds of his pupils with a knowledge of 
the main principles and phenomena of this most 
exalted science. Nay, so eminently beneficial 
did he believe the moral tendency of such know- 
ledge to be, that he regarded it as the imperious 
duty of all persons to engage in the pursuit of i(, 
to the full extent of their opportunities and means. 
And it has been thought that few students, enjoy- 
ing the advantage of formal lectures, illustrated by 
an extensive apparatus, gain a more thorough in- 
sight into some parts of the subject, than did a 
large proportion of the members of his school. 



204 MEMOIR OF 

This was owing to the joint influence of three 
causes ; viz, the extent of his own attainments 
and interest in the science,— the publication of a 
small volume on the subject, which he designed 
chiefly for schools, — and the invention of an 
instrument intended to answer the purpose of a 
celestial globe. The book is entitled " A view of 
the Heavens, or familiar lessons on Astronomy. 1 * 

It contains sixteen lessons, and a glossary also, 
in which nearly all the terms appropriated to the 
science are clearly explained. Each lesson is 
headed by a strikingly apposite passage of Scrip- 
ture ; and closed by questions on most of the 
important topics previously discussed. The work 
has been recommended to the public by the Presi- 
dents of two of our distinguished Colleges, and by 
a large number of other clergymen. The religious 
character of this little volume, as well as its scien- 
tific merits, render it peculiarly worthy of. an 
introduction into all our schools, where this noble 
branch of knowledge is taught. 

The instrument just mentioned, is a map of the 
heavens, so fitted to a frame, that it may be turn- 
ed on its centre at pleasure. On this planisphere 
are represented all the constellations which are 
ever seen by a person near the latitude of 42° 
N. — that is, all that portion of the heavens which 
at that parallel is visible north of 4S° S. To this 



AMUS PETTENGILL. 205 

instrument, the inventor gave the appropriate 
name of Stellarota; and it is designed to point 
out the constellations, to show the time of the ris- 
ing or setting of any particular star or planet, &c. 
It has been spoken of in terms of high commen- 
dation by men eminent in astronomical know- 
ledge. For its cheapness it is preferable, and for 
the ease with which most problems pertaining to 
the science can be solved by its aid, it is equal, to 
the celestial globe. The siellarota has in many 
instances been attached to clocks, and made thus 
to turn in exact correspondence with the diurnal 
revolution of the heavens. Thus fitted up, it 
is a very ornamental, as well as useful, ap- 
pendage to our common chronometers. The 
merit of this instrument is obvious from the fact, 
that not only his pupils, but even the small chil- 
dren of his family, understood its use, and by its 
aid were able to designate the constellations in 
our hemisphere, their respective latitudes and lon- 
gitudes, and the times of their rising and setting 
every day in the year. 

But though Mr. Pettengill superintended a 
school four or five winters at Salem, and thus ren- 
dered most important literary services to the youth 
of his charge ; yet he never laid aside the appropri- 
ate office and mien of 44 an ambassador for Christ ;" 
but in a natural, easy and persuasive manner, took 
18* 



206 MEMOIR OF 

very frequent occasions from the matter recited 
by his pupils to promote religious associations 
and impressions in their minds. Such confine- 
ment did, indeed, very considerably diminish his 
intercourse with the rest of his people, during the 
day ; but it is questionable whether what the fam- 
ilies of his parish lost from the temporary suspen- 
sion of his visits, was not, even in a religious view, 
gained by the young people under his instruction. 
In the evening however, he was often abroad, 
mingling in the family circle, or attending meet- 
ings in the different districts of the parish. In- 
deed when he was in the place, and in comforta- 
ble health, there was scarcely a week in any part 
of the year, in which he did not attend one meet- 
ing or more, in some school house or private 
dwelling. Lectures, prayer meetings, bible class- 
es, — all the various kinds of religious conversa- 
tion by which the most diligent pastors labor to 
promote the spiritual improvement of their people, 
received his habitual and assiduous attention. He 
established bible classes in various sections of 
the parish. These were well attended, and ren- 
dered exceedingly interesting and profitable. Nor 
as respects the higher benefits of the Christian 
ministry, did he labor for nought and in vain. In 
the year 1827 and 8, the influences of the Holy 
Spirit were afforded to an extent not often enjoy- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 207 

ed by small congregations. In a book in which 
he was accustomed to register the texts on which 
he had preached, is the following memorandum, 
bearing date Feb. 14, 1828. 

" I have for a long time attended meetings al- 
most every evening. The attention to religion is 
extensive. The meetings are full and solemn, 
and a number have hope." Previous to Nov. of 
the same year, there had been added to the church 
forty persons as fruits of this revival. In a thanks- 
giving sermon delivered on the 27th of that month, 
he observes, " Some in this place we trust can 
observe this day as a season of real thanksgiving, 
who, till within the space of one year, never prais- 
ed God. We hope that the forty who have united 
with the church, and thus publicly enrolled their 
names with the followers of Christ, have begun 
the new song that shall never end, and that they 
will ' continue in prayer, and watch in the same 
with thanks zivins:. 1 " 

Others who had been hopefully renewed during 
the revival, afterwards confessed Christ before 
men, by a visible profession of their faith in his 
blood. The whole number of persons admitted 
into the church during his ministry at Salem, was 
sixty-three ; of whom ten were received by letter 
from other churches. It deserves to be remarked, 
that the bible classes were evidently blest as one 



208 MEMOIR OF 

principal means of this revival. A large propor- 
tion of the subjects of that glorious work of grace, 
were taken from among the members of those 
classes. 

The ensuing extracts from a letter to the minis- 
ter of his native town, Salem, N. H., will be read 
with interest, as they show how abundant were his 
labors, how that revival was suddenly checked not 
long after its commencement, and how enlightened 
were his views respecting the necessity of ministe- 
rial fidelity, and an entire reliance at the same time, 
on divine grace to give it the requisite effect. The 
letter bears date Feb. 6, 1828. 

— "Powerful revivals have followed in the 
train of these conferences of the churches. As 
soon as we began to send delegates, our church 
began to be more active. They have sent out 
their committees to converse with every member, 
and then to exhort all out of the church, who be- 
long to the parish. Meetings have been multi- 
plied. It is now necessary to have one every 
evening ; and sometimes three or four in different 
sections of the parish, the same evening. I have 
four bible classes, each once a fortnight ; — one of 
them for children under fifteen years, and the rest 
for married people and others. Almost all my 
time since my visit at Salem, has been spent 
in visiting the people, attending meetings, and 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 209 

conversing on religion. There is a general atten- 
tion to this subject throughout the place. A num- 
ber have given good evidence of a change. The 
instances of conversion were almost wholly among 
young men at first. Some of the ringleaders in 
vice were taken ; but young women have since 
been brought in. Eight or ten families have 
lately introduced family prayer. All things went 
on in a regular and solemn manner. No parties 

appeared till a host of , most of them from 

abroad, lately "broke in upon our solemnity in one 
part of the parish, with shoutings, 'jolly times' 
and tumult, calling upon converts to join their 
denomination. I do not think that any have joined 
them, nor that any well-informed person will. 
But they have done much mischief in diverting 
the attention, and rendering religion contemptible 
in the view of some. Many inconsiderate per- 
sons will flock to their meetings, — some from 
curiosity, and some to get excited into a bewil- 
dering fervor of feeling. The revival has thus 
been suddenly checked ; but I trust that God will 
not suffer the work which his Spirit began, to be 
wholly defeated. 

" This revival has extended to several of our 
factories, and produced almost a total change in 
the moral complexion of the place. Last week, 
forty children met at my house, to be instructed 



210 MEMOIR OF 

in the Bible. Night before last, about fitly young 
persons met at my house for prayer. Perhaps 
twenty of them indulge hope, and the rest are very 
serious. At the same time there were three other 
meetings well attended, within a mile. 

" I hope Sir, that you are witnessing a similar 
scene in your parish, or that a revival, if not begun 
there, will soon begin. Such a work must be 
begun and carried on by the Spirit of God. But 
he works by means. — We have to deal with men 
as rational beings, — to press the truth on their 
conscience, and to be as earnest in persuading 
them to yield their hearts to God, as we could be 
if they were absolutely independent of him. If 
we can by any means prevail on them to repent 
and submit to God, he must have the glory. His 
is the truth which we use, his is the power by 
which we feel and speak, and his Spirit it is that 
influences their hearts to yield." 

In no period of his life probably, was Mr. Pet- 
tengill more industriously employed as a writer, 
than during his residence at Salem. Not that he 
was an author in the large sense of the word; but 
that besides writing out in full the most of his 
sermons, he prepared several important treatises 
for publication. One of them has already been 
mentioned. Another, which was the largest of 
them all, and indicated peculiar knowledge and 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 211 

talent, related to doctrines and usages which, 
though strongly advocated by a numerous denom- 
ination of Christians, he could not but regard as 
-exceedingly erroneous, and fraught with very 
great danger. But this, together with some others, 
must be passed without remark, in order to make 
room for a brief mention of his writings respecting 
some portions of the apocalypse. 

Few men, it is believed, had read more exten- 
sively on the subject of prophecy, than he. Few 
look a deeper interest in it ; and few thought more 
independently of others, or were more competent 
to judge which of two or more conflicting schemes 
of interpretation, had the strongest claim to belief. 
He was familiar with Newton, Faber, Smith and 
several other writers on the prophecies, as also 
with the most approved commentators. In all 
the prophetical parts of the book of Revelation, 
there was not averse the import of which he could 
not readily unfold, according to the scheme which 
he had adopted as the result of much reading and 
laborious thought. Not that he was confident 
that his opinion was right, whether it was, or was 
not, accordant with the expositions of others ; for 
no man so capable of independent research, was 
more ready to acknowledge his liability to err 
and to weigh with candor all objections to his own 
views. Undoubtedly the structure of his mind 



212 MEMOIR OF 

had some influence to lead him into this field of 
abstruse investigation. But this was not the 
whole cause. He verily believed that all prophe- 
cy, and especially those parts of it that have been 
fulfilled, is designed for the instruction of God's 
people, and that they are therefore solemnly 
bound to make it a subject of laborious and 
prayerful research. 

In the summer of 1825, he wrote a dissertation 
on the subject of the •• two witnesses," which was 
published in the Evangelist, the same year. He 
begins the piece with some very important remarks 
respecting the unjustifiable procedure of those 
who cast the prophetic writings aside as of little 
or no use, because events have not accorded with 
certain expectations which they had believed were 
warranted by the predictions of Scripture. — " But 
Divine Providence, as might have been expected, 
has shown the world that the Revelation was not 
designed to make prophets of us. In consequence 
of this disappointment, there appears now to be a 
prevailing disposition to adopt the opposite ex- 
treme, and treat the book of Revelation as though 
nothing could be learnt from it. You will often 
hear men state with some appearance of self-com- 
placency, that they know nothing about it ; as if 
it were meritorious to plead ignorance of this part 
of Inspiration. But surely there is a difference 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 213 

between the use and the abuse of this book. It 
does not follow, because some have abused it, or 
misconstrued it, that we do well to treat it with 
neglect. As it is a part of the Scriptures, it * is 
profitable.' It gives a general view of the most 
important events that were to affect the Church, 
from the apostolic age to the day of judgment. 
It is a standing witness to the truth of Christianity. 
The successive accomplishment of it is designed 
to edify, strengthen and console Christians, during 
their militant state. The unaccomplished pre- 
dictions are wisely involved in obscurity, but no 
reason can be assigned why such as are fulfilled, 
should be considered inexplicable. These may 
be understood by diligent and humble investiga- 
tion. They belong to us. By them we may dis- 
cover the signs of the times. Though the contest 
which agitated the Christian world at the com- 
mencement of the present century, has terminated 
contrary to the sanguine expectations of many 
expositors, and in a way which seems to remove 
the Millennium to a greater distance than we had 
imagined ; yet this is no reason why we should 
cease to inquire, * What of the night V " 

There has for ages been a great diversity of 

opinion as to what is to be understood by the 

" two witnesses." Some have supposed them to 

mean the Waldenses and Albigenses ; others, a 

19 



214 MEMOIR OF 

succes ion of saints who, although oppressed, and 
at times nearly exterminated from the earth, by 
the arm of persecution, nevertheless lived in such 
numbers as to bear some feeble testimony to the 
truth. Many other expositions have been given. 
But Mr. Pettengill supposes that the Bible is in- 
tended, and that it is called the two witnesses, not 
so much in reference to the two Testaments of 
which it is composed, as " to denote" that its tes- 
timony is ample and decisive.'' The witnesses 
were to " prophesy a thousand two hundred and 
three score days, clothed in scarlet," and then to 
be slain by " the beast from the bottomless pit ;" 
which beast in his view, " is the Boman empire 
revived and linked togetherby the Papal hierarchy." 
He thinks the witnesses were slain when, during 
the reign of atheism and terror in France, " every 
religious teacher was excluded from her dominions, 
the Sabbath abolished, and the Bible destroyed." 
He supposes that previous to this event, the wit- 
nesses had been prophesying in sackcloth a thou- 
sand two hundred and three score days ; that is, 
that it was now about 1260 years since the light of 
revelation began to be obscured by the substitu- 
tion of other authorities in the church of God. By 
the raising of the witnesses from death he sup- 
poses is to be understood that wonderful series of 
events so propitious to Zion, which commenced 



AMOS PE'ITEJNGILL. 215 

not long after the blasphemous proscription of the 
Bible in France, and which consisted in a wider 
diffusion and clearer exhibition of its truths. 
Among those events are " new and correct views 
respecting the injustice of war and slavery ; Bible 
societies, Sabbath schools, domestic and foreign 
missionary societies ; and many other benevolent 
institutions, which evidently originated from the 
alarm produced by that great earthquake." " Chris- 
tians," he says, " saw that something must be 
done to stem the torrent of vice and woe. For- 
getting their local contests, they rallied around the 
Redeemer's standard. Thus a new impulse has 
been given to the Church, and a new era in her 
history has commenced. Revivals, great and ex- 
tensive, have raised her from the dust, and render- 
ed her terrible as an army ivith banners. Surely 
such momentous events could not have escaped 
the notice of prophecy. But it gives no des- 
cription'of them, except in the eleventh chapter of 
the Revelation, at the close of the second woe, 
where they are connected with the death and res- 
urrection of the witnesses." 

His views respecting the two witnesses are not 
entirely new ; but it is believed that they are no 
where, at least within the same compass, so fully 
unfolded and ably defended, as in (he treatise now 
under consideration. The great objection to his 



216 MEMOIR OF 

theory seems to be, that it goes upon the principle 
that the thousand two hundred and threescore 
days, during which the witnesses were to prophe- 
sy in sackcloth, were not to end with the other pe- 
riod of* 1260 days mentioned in the book of Rev- 
elation ; whereas most interpreters of prophecy 
have supposed that they were to be contaminous 
with those periods. Could this difficulty be obvi- 
ated, — and the obstacles to its removal are not per- 
haps insuperable, — his scheme of exposition in 
relation to this portion of prophecy, would bid as 
fair to abide the test of rigid examination, as any 
other that has been proposed. 

There is one passage which, provided his inter- 
pretation of the witnesses be correct, must be 
so consoling to the pious heart, that it ought per- 
haps to be subjoined. "If the death of the wit- 
nesses is future, as is commonly supposed, it fol- 
lows that the sixth trumpet has not ceased to 
sound, but that the most dreadful part of the sec- 
ond woe is yet to come ; a part which will deeply 
affect the vital interests of religion, and exceeding- 
ly alarm and distress the Church. But if the 
witnesses have already been slain, and raised 
again, all the great calamities which are to be 
inflicted on the world before the millennium, as 
stated in the Revelation, come under the last woe. 
In that case the Church may rejoice in the assu- 



AMOS FETTENGILL. 217 

ranee that her light is come, which will shine more 
and more unto the perfect day. For the wit- 
nesses being caught up to Heaven, the seven last 
plagues were to fall on their enemies." 

Further to show his diligence as a student of 
prophecy and his efforts to enlighten his people in 
relation to some predictions calculated to cheer 
those who tremble for Zion, it may be observed 
that he prepared an elaborate sermon on the sub- 
ject of the seventh trumpet. He was of course 
led to speak of things to come, but with a due 
degree of modesty. As that trumpet includes 
Ci the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God," 
it became necessary for him to pourtray those 
dreadful judgments of the Almighty which are 
to be inflicted on the enemies of the Church, 
immediately preparatory to the rising of the mil- 
lennial sun. He adventured into futuie scenes 
with a cautious step ; but besides being encoura- 
ged by the example of Andrew Fuller and other 
eminent preachers, he was in no ordinary degree 
prepared for the service by his own study of the 
Revelations ; and if human guides could be of 
any advantage, several of the most able were at his 

command. 

At the expense of very considerable time and 

labor, he had prepared a chart of prophecy, adapt- 
ed to the Revelation of John, and designed to 
19* 



218 MEMOIR OF 

exhibit, at one view, the imagery employed, the 
most important events which have taken place in 
fulfilment of the predictions, together with the 
respective times, places, and agents, relating to 
those events. It would be difficult to present a 
brief outline of this work, which should give an 
adequate idea of its utility. Suffice it to say, 
that the seals, trumpets, &c. are arranged at the 
left hand of the chart, in such a manner as to show 
their mutual relation ; that on the right-hand mar- 
gin, there is a column of numbers denoting cen- 
turies, beginning at the top with the first, and 
ending at the bottom with the nineteenth, century 
of the Christian era ; and that the whole interior 
of the broad sheet is filled with the record of 
events, agents and localities, which are supposed 
to have been pre-signified by the prophetic em- 
blems on the first-mentioned margin. Indeed, he 
formed two charts somewhat different in plan. 
The above is a partial description of the one 
most simple. The other, though more complex, 
and not so symmetrical to the eye, since the refer- 
ences and descriptions are written in almost all 
directions, has the advantage of presenting some 
portions of the subordinate imagery of the Apoca- 
alypse, which are necessarily excluded from the 
first. His heart was intent on the completion of 
a prophetic chart, probably for the eye of the public. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 219 

But which of these two or what modification of 
either, he would ultimately have adopted, cannot 
be known. It was his intention however, to have 
given it, if published, some pictorial embellish- 
ment. It was to have been ornamented, and 
indeed rendered more striking, by the delineation 
of seals, trumpets, vials, horns, the little book, &c. 
That the formation of an extensive chart of the 
kind is practicable, and that it would be on many 
accounts, highly useful, cannot be doubted. Be- 
sides furnishing of itself, much valuable informa- 
tion to the uninstructed in prophecy, it would serve 
to refresh the memories of those whose knowledge 
of the subject has been of some standing, and lead 
many of both classes, to peruse the works of able 
writers on this branch of theological science. 

Having heard sometime in the summer of 1828, 
that his former pupil and beloved friend Mr. Ash- 
mun, had arrived at New Haven, from Liberia, in 
a state of bodily infirmity which threatened soon 
to issue in dissolution, Mr. Pettengill hastened 
to meet him ; and the interview was one of extra- 
ordinary interest and tenderness. Such coun- 
sels, encouragements and prayers as were offered 
by the one ; such expressions of thankfulness to 
him, and of joyful confidence in the Lord, as were 
uttered by the other, and such mingling of the 
souls of both in the pleasures of Christian fellow- 



220 MEMOIR OF 

ship, as was then exhibited, altogether formed 
a scene nearly overpowering, and impossible to 
be fully described. A clergyman res ding in New- 
Haven observes concerning that melting scene : 
— " Their interview here was deeply affecting to 
them both ; Mr. Ashmun acknowledging that Mr. 
Pettengill was, under God, the instrumental cause 
of his being what he was, and owning him as his 

spiritual father. A Mr. who attended on 

Mr. Ashmun, was .the only one present, and ac- 
knowledged that what he then witnessed had 
cured him of his Universalism." 

There was little hope of the recovery of that 
self-denying friend of Africa. And after the ex- 
change of the tenderest parting salutations, dictated 
by the moral certainty that the two saints were to 
meet no more in this world, Mr. Pettengill re- 
turned to his people, to prosecute his high calling 
with a deeper sense of his own mortality, and of 
h^ accountableness to God. Immediately after 
his return, he addressed a letter to the father of 
his dying friend, in which, while, he labored to 
avoid exciting the anguish of entire despondence 
as to the recovery of the son, he tenderly admin- 
istered the consolations which the painful case de- 
manded. The following is the greater part of that 
letter. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 221 

M<r. 1828. 
" Dear Sir, 

"I had the mournful pleasure of visiting your 
son Jehuda to pay ; who, as you have doubtless 
heard, has arrived at New Haven in ill health. I 
found him very feeble, with symptoms somewhat 
alarming ; but not such as to preclude all hopes 
of his recovery. His head and vitals are not much 
affected. He appeared in pretty good spirits, and 
was overjoyed to see me. His lower limbs and 
bowels are considerably swelled, and the tone 
of his stomach is impaired. His complaints are 
evidently the effects of a long residence in a trop- 
ical climate. How far this temperate region may- 
tend to remove them, is uncertain. He has the 
best attendance. But I suppose that particulars 
have been stated to you by letters written a few 
days since, requesting you and Mrs. Ashmun to 
visit him. I now write at his request, to urge 
you not to delay your coming. 

" He appears to be resigned under his affliction, 
and to possess religious enjoyment, while he has 
little hope of being restored to health. He lives, 
as he says, by the hour. I spent several hours in 
conversing with him. His reason, memory and 
voice are pretty good ; but his appearance is so 
changed, that I could scarcely recognize a single 



222 MEMOIR OF 

feature. He seems sensible that his peculiar 
trials are necessary, to render him suitably humble 
under that flattering attention which he receives 
from all directions ; and thankful that Providence 
has so arranged his circumstances, that he has 
been able extensively to aid the cause of benevo- 
lence. I trust that similar reflections will serve 
to reconcile you to the afflictions you experience 
on his account. But few individuals during along 
life, have accomplished -so much good as has been 
produced by his instrumentality. Aside however, 
from this consideration, you have the consolation 
of knowing that he is in the hands, and at the dis- 
posal, of a God of infinite benevolence and wis- 
dom, who will dispose of him and all things, 
in such a way as to advance the highest good ; 
and that all things will work for the good of every 
individual who possesses the spirit of the gospel. 
Whether your son lives or dies, God will do right, 
and promote his own glory, and your highest inter- 
est if you trust in him." 

Mr. Pettengill's attachment to the spiritual weU 
fare of the people of his first love, was si ill so 
ardent that he could not close this letter of Chris- 
tian condolence to one of their number, without 
adding as follows : — "I still feel interested in the 
prosperity of your church ; I hope that the mem- 
bers will bear in mind their obligations to make 



AMOS PETTEJNG1LL. 223 

united efforts to advance the common cause. Do 
exhort one another daily. Meet often for prayer, 
and believe that God does and will bless faithful 
and well directed means, to promote the interests 
of his kingdom. I would suggest th.at you all 
come together in one place, and appoint a com- 
mittee to visit every member, to exhort and pray 
with them, to ascertain their feelings and deport- 
ment, to assist in removing difficulties, if any ex- 
ist, and to make a report at a subsequent meeting ; 
that you take this step with a particular view to 
obtain a revival of religion among you ; and that 
you wait and pray for a revival, till you obtain th© 
blessing." 



224 MfcMOlll OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

Exti acts from his correspondence whh some of his near relations 

Having made free use of Mr. Pettengill's prL 
vate and published writings, as they were found 
to disclose cither his religious opinions, or the 
facts of his history : and having repeatedly refer- 
red to the permanent interest he took in his 
people at Champlain, as manifested in many of his 
letters till nearly the close of his ministry, it may 
not be amiss to present some portions of letters that 
were addressed to several of his near relations. 
They will serve to show his Christian fidelity in a 
branch of epistolary correspondence, in which it is 
to be feared that the generality of those who have 
named the name of Christ, are exceedingly de- 
ficient. For the same reason that hopefully pious 
members of the same family, are often criminally 
backward in speaking on religious subjects, when 
together; they are extensively remiss when apart, in 
the (\vty of giving to those subjects a due degree of 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 225 

prominence in their written intercourse. The 
letters of very many professing Christians to their 
dearest earthly connexions, are filled with saluta- 
tion, business, news, or other worldly matters, to 
the exclusion of every thing that concerns the im- 
mortal soul. And the number is not small, of 
those whose reference to religion is brief, indirect, 
and thrown perhaps into the closing part of their 
communication ; as if it were intended rather as 
an apology for their nominal adherence to the 
cause of Christ, than as a sober effort to alarm a 
friend who is dead in sin, or to quicken him in his 
spiritual course, if he be a child of God. 

It is to be regretted that among the letters 
which have been collected with reference to the 
preparation of this little volume, there are none 
that were addressed to the brother with whom it is 
supposed he held the most frequent and full cor- 
respondence. But in no one of those which have 
come to hand from the other members of the family, 
is there any thing either trivial or unduly secular. 
The number of them is considerable ; and while 
the topic of religion is scarcely ever omitted, it 
is made the engrossing subject of more than three 
fourths of the whole collection. In nearly every 
instance, he writes like one whose heart's desire 
and prayer to God for his kindred according to the 
flesh is, that they may be saved. And it is inter- 
20 



226 MEMOIR OF 

esting to observe that in most of the letters refer- 
red to, he either directly addresses his venerable 
mother, as supposing they would meet her eye, 
or speaks of her, in terms of the utmost tenderness 
and reverence. The following extracts are high- 
ly creditable to him as having been, for a long 
course of years after he left the dear circle of his 
relatives, alive to his filial obligations, than which 
none are more sacred, but which are too often 
forgotten. They are all taken from letters ad- 
dressed to his brothers, in the place of his nativity. 
April, 1827. '* Mother,* I hope I have an inter- 
est still in your prayers, and that as you advance 
towards eternity, your hope in Christ is strong. 
Do not indulge the fear of death. Christ has died 
to deliver them who through fear of death, were 
all their life time subject to bondage. He often 
directed his disciples not to fear, and not to let 
their heart be troubled. He will never forsake 
you, if you lean upon him. I hope you may live 
many years, for the benefit of others ; but I am 
aware that the time of your departure is at hand ; 
though I may be called away first. Do not in- 
dulge any anxiety about this world. The God who 
has fed you all your life long, and does not for- 
sake you now that you are old aud gray -headed, 
will provide for you, and your children. Leave 

* Then in her eighty-third year. 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 227 

them therefore, and all your worldly concerns, with 
him ; and all the days of your appointed time, 
wait till your change come." 

Jan. 10, 1829. " I often think of you, mother, 
and try to pray for you. I have no doubt respect- 
ing your interest in Christ ; but I fear that you do 
not avail yourself of the exceeding great and pre- 
cious promises •, as much as you ought. The apos- 
tle says, 4 we know that if this our earthly house 
of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, an house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens ;' — a text on which I 
preached yesterday. I wish that you may exer- 
cise such faith in Christ, and such submission to 
God, as that you may enjoy this assurance of hope, 
and view death with composure, and even with 
satisfaction. think of it as the gate of endless 
joy. Though you are conscious of many failings, 
yet remember that salvation is of grace, and that 
neither the greatness nor numerousness of your 
sins can bar you from the favor of God, if you fly 
for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before you. 
The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. It is 
through a relation to him, that we are to be saved ; 
not of works. But this relation is formed by faith 
which works by love. Indulge no anxiety about 
the world. Cast your burdens on God." 

Nov. 1829. " I hope, dear mother, you will not 



228 MEMOIR OF 

give way to discouragement, as earthly comforts 
fail you ; but commit the keeping of your soul 
and body to him who has sustained you all your 
days. As salvation is wholly of grace, we need 
not despair on account of many imperfections ; 
but we are encouraged to confide in him whose 
blood cleanseth from all sin. Christ is all in all. 
We must let go of all other dependencies, and 
rely on him for strength and righteousness. I 
pray that you may have peace in believing, and 
the full assurance of hope unto the end." 

The manner in which he speaks of 'his mother, 
is scarcely less interesting. 

Sept. 1811. " About a fortnight ago I received 
a letter from P., which mentioned that mother 
was unwell. This has given me much anxiety. 
I hope she has recovered. But I have expected 
to hear of her death; and the expectation has led 
me into a train of serious reflections. I have 
thought of the tender regard she has ever had for 
me ; the unwearied pains she has taken to make 
religious impressions on my mind ; the faithful 
instructions she has given me ; the hymns and 
prayers she has taught me, and the solemn warn- 
ings and seasonable reproofs I received from 
her, during the giddy years of childhood and youth. 
I hope her labor has not been in vain. I hope I 
never shall forget her pious example, nor lose the 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 229 

impressions that were made upon my mind through 
her kind exertions and parental faithfulness. I 
think with pain and remorse upon my repeated 
acts of disobedience to her. I know I have never 
rewarded her for her kindness, but have given her 
much trouble, and should esteem it a great favor 
to have an opportunity to ask her forgiveness. If 
she is still living, please to give my sincere regards 
to her, and inform her, that if she stands in need 
of any assistance which I can afford her, it shall 
be cheerfully rendered ; though I receive but little 
money in this place." 

Dec. 22, 1818. " Give my affectionate re- 
gards to mother. I should have sent her a little 
money ; but I have not enough to get a dollar bill, 
nor have I had for a long time." 

Nov. 4, 1828. " I feel solicitous about mother, 
and have had serious thoughts of going to Salem 
principally to see her, this fall ; but it was very 
difficult for me to leave home. I hope she has 
the friendly attention of all her children, and espe- 
cially that she has support in God. She has 
long, I trust, been acquainted with him. — She has 
been, I think, too much disposed to view things on 
the dark side. Could I see her, I should urge 
her to think more of the promises, to consider 
God as her friend and portion, and to rest confi- 
dently and quietly on him ; believing firmly that 
20* 



230 MEMOIR OF 

he will provide for her, order the circumstances of 
her death in mercy, and receive her to himself. — 
As I wish you would send this letter to her, I 
would add that faith in the promises of the gospel 
is a duty, as well as a privilege. It tends to hon- 
or God, and the religion which she professes, by 
recommending it to others. I feel thankful that 
her valuable life has been prolonged, and hope that 
she may live many years to come, and also that 
our children may have as much reason to rise up 
and call us blessed, as we have to call her so." 

Some extracts will now be produced from let- 
ters directy aimed at the spiritual good of his 
brothers, their families, or both. To one brother 
he writes thus : — 

"June 1821. 

— " From some conversation I had with you, I 
was led to hope that you was reflecting seriously 
on your situation. But I do not know whether 
you have evidence of being interested in the new 
covenant. I know something of the deceitfulness 
of the heart. Hence I fear that you will in some 
way or other, embrace a false hope, and make lies 
your refuge ; or that you will seek first some 
worldly interest, presuming that you shall after- 
wards secure the salvation of your soul. This is 
a dangerous calculation. JVW is the accepted 
time. Therefore it becomes you to do with your 



AMOS PETTEJNG1LL. 231 

might what there is to be done. You cannot have 
evidence of being interested in the Saviour, unless 
you are willing to obey him in every respect. 
' Then are ye my friends,' said he, ' if ye do what- 
soever I command you.' Christians are imper- 
fect ; but while in the exercise of love to God, 
they hate sin and choose to obey the whole law. 
It is your duty to yield yourself without reserve 
to God, and place your whole dependence on him 
for strength, pardon and eternal life. Remember 
that if he shows you mercy, he will do it entirely 
on account of the atonement and mediation of 
Christ. I hope you will pray in your family, 
punctually attend public worship, and give your 
heart to God." — 

" Oct 1825. 
" I thought when I last saw you, that your mind 
was somewhat impressed on the subject of religion. 
I do not know whether you really have good 
ground to believe that the great change has actu- 
ally taken place in your heart. I hope and pray 
that you and my other brothers, and my sisters in 
Salem, will give yourselves unreservedly to God. 
You must attend to the subject immediately and 
supremely ; and be resolved to lead a godly life, 
to trust in the Saviour, and obey his commands. 
To do this you must pray often and earnestly for 
the influences of the Holy Spirit, and keep your 



232 MEMOIR OF 

heart with all diligence. Without holiness no one 
can see the Lord. We must be prepared in this 
world for the high and glorious employments of 
heaven, or we can never be admitted to that world 
of bliss. Knowing that you live in a place that is 
awfully ?tupid, beyond almost any other with 
which I am acquainted, I feel afraid that you will 
be carried along with the multitude, and sink with 
them into destruction. But do not be ashamed to 
be different from others around you. Remember 
that each one must give account of himself to God , 
and that the stupidity and unbelief of others, are 
no excuse for you." — 
4 
To another brother he writes thus : — 

"Dec. 1810. 
— " I hardly know what to say to you about re- 
ligion. I am not fond of disputings ; but am 
certain that the denomination to which you belong 
have embraced many dangerous errors. Howev- 
er, I scarcely expect to convince you of this. I 
know that you have much to prejudice you against 
Calvinism. The coldness and stupidity of the 
Congregational church where you reside ; the 

little effect which the preaching of Mr. has ; 

the contempt with which those of your denomina- 
tion are treated by the irreligious and profane 
part of the town, — these things, when considered 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 233 

in connexion with the great zeal of your people, 
and the apparent success they have met with in 
various parts, lead you to believe they must be 
right. But on further reflection, you must be 
sensible that these things are no evidence that 
they are so. In many thousands of places, the 
Lord has poured out his Spirit, and blest the 
preaching of Calvinistic ministers. Through their 
preaching, sinners have been convicted and con- 
verted, in view of the doctrines of depravity, elec- 
tion, and saints' perseverance. They have been 
despised, hated and persecuted by a wicked world, 
and still have followed Jesus. 

"I am sensible that you do not understand the 
doctrines of election and saints' perseverance ; 
for if you did, you would see that they are agreea- 
ble to reason and the holy Scriptures. They do 
not excuse the wickedness of men, nor encourage 
idleness, nor indeed tend to prevent sinners from 
repenting and believing. Most of the openly 
vicious do oppose and ridicule, especially the 
former doctrine. There is, however, scarcely one 
serious man in this town but what is a Calvinist : 
and scarcely one thoughtless person who is not 
opposed to Calvinism. — But let us remember that 
we are all to be judged according to our deeds, 
and that unless we become interested in the Saviour 
in such a manner as to be made one with him, we 



234 MEMOIR OF 

shall be found guilty at last. But God will by no 
means clear the guilty." 

To the same. 

"Sept. 1811. 

" Though our family are scattered in different 
directions through the world, I hope we shall all 
meet in heaven at last. But without holiness no 
man shall see the Lord. True religion is some- 
thing more than morality — more than zeal, or 
joy, or raptures. The animal passions are capa- 
ble of being excited by sympathy, by warm and 
animated discourses, into a religious fervor which 
somewhat resembles real piety, but is, after all, 
very different from it. True religion is seated in 
the heart ; and consists in deep humility, recon- 
ciliation to God, a pleasedness with his character, 
his law and his method of salvation. A person 
whose heart is renewed, feels humble in view of 
his sins, and is resolved to forsake them. He 
trusts in Christ and depends on him alone for sal- 
vation. He loves the blessed Saviour more than 
any thing else, pleads for mercy in his name, 
obeys him from love to his service, and desires 
that he may be glorified. We must be willing to 
become nothing, that God may be all and in all. 
We must live religion every day. We must con- 
sider heaven as our home, and regulate our con- 
duct accordingly." 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 235 

" Oct 1817. 
" I hope you will all be prospered with respect 
to this world ; but especially in regard to the next. 
Religion is the one thing needful. If we possess 
this, it is of little consequence what our temporal 
circumstances are ; and if we do not, we should 
be poor and miserable even though we had all the 
riches of this world. I am afraid that J., while 
he is embarrassed and afflicted, does not depend 
on God, that he neglects his duty, and that he has 
no well grounded hope. I have likewise my fears 

respecting J n, that he does not pray in hi3 

family, nor live as though he expected to die. I 
am afraid also, that H., having no settled home, 
will get into bad company, and be led astray by 
example. I lament that I did not exhort all of 
you more when I was with you. I would now 
therefore, consider myself as addressing you all. 
" Be entreated then to reflect on your situation. 
You are advancing in life, and will soon be in eter- 
nity. But unless your hearts are changed, unless 
you sincerely love God and seek him daily, you 
cannot be saved* You must depend entirely on 
Christ. But you cannot depend on him, without 
obeying him. Therefore you must make haste, and 
delay not to keep his commandments. Do' not 
be ashamed of him ; nor be ashamed to speak to 
one another, about the concerns of your souls. 



236 MEMOIR OF 

Read the Bible, and pray several times in a day. 
Remember the Sabbath. Avoid all foolish and 
vain talk. 

" Avoid, I beseech you, the use of spirituous 
liquors. Rum and other spirits may be of some 
use as a medicine ; but it has been proved, and 
proved again, that it is a slow poison, when used 
frequently. The best way is never to use it. I 
should be afraid to keep it in my house. I once 
thought it was necessary, and used it ; but am 
thankful that I discovered my error, before I ac- 
quired the habit of using it. The ministers in 
this part of the country have unanimously agreed 
never to use it in their meetings, nor to ofFer it to 
any person, but to preach and warn the people 
against it. For it not only breaks down the con- 
stitution, brings on premature old age and death, 
wastes the property, and leads to poverty, but 
serves to grieve away the Spirit, harden the heart, 
and fit the soul for hell. It appears to me almost 
impossible for any person to be saved, who is in 
the constant habit of using rum. If he does not 
get drunk, if he only uses a little every day, it 
will stupify and harden him. O guard against 
this practice, which is so destructive to the soul 
and body ; and guard your children against it. 

" I know that nothing I can say to you will have 
any good effect, unless God should touch your 



AMOS PETTENGTLL. 237 

hearts by his grace. I leave you with him, and 
pray that I may yet hear that you are all rejoicing 
in the truth, and that though we are now separat- 
ed, we may all meet together in heaven, never to 
part. Give my affectionate regards to mother, 
and assure her that I should rejoice to see her, 
but that I must be about my Father's business. 
I hope she will continue to pray for me. I am 
doing a great work, and need great grace." 

" April, 1827. 
" I hope you will secure the good part that shall 
never be taken from you. You must resolve to 
lead a humble, prayerful life, and keep yourselves 
unspotted from the world. Realize the worth of 
your souls made in the image of God at first, and 
destined to an immortal existence. God himself 
has become man in the person of Christ, to raise 
our nature from the ruins of the fall, and prepare 
us for an eminence exceeding high and glorious. 
But to lay hold of this hope set before us we must 
be conformed to the image of Christ, in whom all 
fulness dwells. In this way only can we arrive 
to that perfection of which our nature is capable. 
I often think that we do not sufficiently realize our 
vast importance in the scale of being. We ought 
indeed to be humble in view of our sins, and to es- 
teem ourselves as vanity in comparison with God. 
But then we should lift our thoughts above, and 
21 



238 MEMOIR OF 

consider how exalted and blessed we shall become 
if we improve the price put into our hands to get 
wisdom. ' It doth not yet appear what we shall 
be.' The depravity of men inclines them to de- 
grade themselves, and become brutish. But grace 
in the heart, tends to elevate and enlarge the 
mind, and will render it unspeakably lovely and 
glorious. let us divest ourselves of low and 
grovelling views, and dwell on things that are 
above." 

To the same. 

" JVbu. 1828. 
" I rejoice to hear that religion has in any de- 
gree been revived in your place. I do not learn 
that my relatives have shared extensively in the 
work ; but hope that before this time, some of 
them at least, have enrolled their names as follow- 
ers of Christ. You once professed religion ; but 
I have had my fears that you do not live in the en- 
joyment nor in the exercise of it ; and that you do 
not use the means which God has appointed for 
obtaining spiritual blessings. We cannot have 
peace, a well grounded hope, nor indeed any evi- 
dence that we are interested in the pardoning 
mercy of God, unless we live a life of prayer, at- 
tend upon the ordinances of religion, and keep 
our hearts with -all diligence. We must feel our 
entire dependence on God for his holy influences, 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 239 

and at the same time, be active in religious duties. 
None will be admitted to heaven on the ground 
that they have lived an inoffensive life. Those 
who will be admitted, are such as are prepared 
for that high and holy state ; and that we may be 
prepared, we must be united to Christ by a living 
faith. He must become precious to us. We 
must receive him as our Prophet to teach us, as 
our Priest to atone and intercede for us, and as 
our King to rule in and over us. We must de- 
pend on his merits, live on him, enter as it were 
into his views, and esteem him as our all in all. 

" We have arrived at that period in life which 
reminds us that death is near. Perhaps it is near- 
er than we imagine. How dreadful is the thought 
of dying unprepared ! Surely we cannot expect a 
more favorable time to prepare, than we now 
have." 

To a third brother he writes thus : 

" Champlain, Sept. 28, 1808. 

" It is a time of trouble and confusion here. I 
will not undertake to give a history of the wonder- 
ful things that the embargo has occasioned in this 
place. An armed force has been kept up in town 
for six months to prevent people from going over 
the Provincial line. But notwithstanding all their 
exertions, smuggling is constantly practised. 



240 MEMOIR OF 

Sometimes ten or a dozen teams loaded with pot- 
ash, have passed by my house in a night. Yester- 
day sixty soldiers were sent into our village to 
be stationed there a month. A guard is kept every 
night to prevent teams from passing. 

" The people appear friendly. Our meetings 
are full. But the perpetual commotions in this 
place take off the attention of the people from reli- 
gion very much. How important it is that we seek 
first the kingdom of God, and let the agitations of 
the world alone !" 

To the same. 

" Jan. 24, 1822. 

— " I know that you must have many trials and 
embarrassments : but I hope a kind Providence 
will continue to support you. Do not allow your- 
self to be perplexed ; but do as well as you can, 
and roll all your care upon God. Give him your 
heart, and he will protect you, grant you as many 
comforts as it is best you should receive, and 
sanctify to you all your afflictions. One thing is 
needful. If you secure this good part, you will be 
exceedingly prosperous, notwithstanding your out- 
ward circumstances are unfavorable. I feel dis- 
posed to favor you, but my situation is such that 
you must place no dependence on me. I send 
you a two dollar note, which I wish you would 
spend for necessary provision. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 241 

" I suppose that you are prepared to hear that 
I am dismissed. The difficulties here were such, 
that I thought it best to seek for some other place. 
I expect to remain in this region for several 
months, but am not certain whither I shall go then. 
I hope God will provide some place for me, and 
make me useful. 

" J , I hope that you and your family are 

enjoying temporal and spiritual blessings. J — n, 
I take this opportunity to express my good wishes 
towards you and your family. And H — , I can 
assure you, that I still retain an affectionate re- 
gard for you, and hope you will always find kind 
friends on earth, and be prepared for a better 
world. 

" There have been great and extensive revivals 
of religion all around me since I saw you. It is 
supposed that within a short time, more than five 
thousand have been hopefully renewed in this 
State. I hope that Salem and other places around 
you, may soon experience the outpourings of the 
Holy Spirit. But however this may be, you may 
enjoy his influences in your own heart, if you 
humbly seek his aid. be entreated to seek 
with your whole heart. Remember that now is 
the accepted time, and now the day of salvation. '* 
21* 



242 MEMOIR OF 

To the same. Jan, 10, 1829. 
" Last week one of the young converts in this 
place died with the consumption. He held fast 
his confidence to the end; and his last end appeared 
to be peace. Lately another person died in con-, 
sequence of intemperance. After leaving the 
store where he had been drinking to excess, he 
fell from the bridge and got his death wound ! 
It is dangerous to make use of ardent spirit. I 
never use it nor keep it. I always regretted that 
I did not totally refuse it when I visited you last. 
And as I think that smoking tobacco is injurious, 
I have not practiced it for some time past. If 
you could muster resolution enough to leave it 
off, you would feel better for it after a few days. 
We ought to habituate ourselves to self-denial. 

— " You have probably heard of the death of 
Mr. Ashmun, the agent of the Colonization Soci- 
ety. He died at New Haven in August last. He 
lived with me when he was a boy at Champlain ; 
— was hopefully converted there, and received 
into the church. His death was triumphant. — I 
hope that you will all attend to the one thing 
needful, give your hearts to God, pray to him 
earnestly every day, and live in constant readi- 
ness for death. This subject must be fixed xm 
our minds, and we must be engaged. We have 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 243 

a soul to save or lose ; and without holiness we 
cannot be admitted to heaven ; and holiness we 
cannot have without taking pains, and fixing our 
hearts on God." 



244 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER X. 

His health declines — Account of his last sickness — His death. Fu- 
neral — summary viewsof his character as a man — astudent 
— a preacher— apastor — a Christian — Conclusion. 

Such were Mr Pettengill's natural gifts, his 
attainments in secular and theological learning, 
his maturity as an undoubted child of God, his de- 
votedness to his great work, and his singular cir- 
cumspectness and prudence, that it is rare to find 
a parish possessing greater advantages than were 
enjoyed by his people, to acquire a knowledge 
either of Christian doctrine, or Christian duty. 
Nor is it strange that such a minister, when once 
peacefully settled, should continue to enjoy the 
confidence and good will of his flock. This was 
eminently the case in the present instance. It is 
observed by one who well understood the state of 
things in Salem, — " He lived here towards eight 
years in peace and tranquillity. He gained the 
affections of the people ;_and I knqw not of any 
difficulty which existed between him and any of 
them." 

But he was mortal. The period was now 
drawing nigh when his abundant and useful la- 
bors, to qualify' himself for which he had in early 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 245 

life made so many efforts and sacrifices, were to 
be closed. The prophets, do they live for ever ? 
He never had enjoyed a sound constitution, since 
it was first impaired by excessive application to 
study at Exeter academy. The pain in his side, 
which was induced by ringing the College bell, 
continued ever afterwards to afflict him, and had 
no small influence in causing the distressing com- 
plaint which put an end to his earthly existence, 
just after he had completed his fiftieth year. But 
the manner of his death, was in just accordance 
with the tenor of his life. Throughout his pro- 
tracted and distressing sickness, he was patient, 
submissive and devotional. But as the testimo- 
ny of an eye witness is peculiarly valuable, the 
scene of his sickness and death will be best unfol- 
ded by the following letter from his deeply afflict- 
ed widow. 

" Salem, Oct. 9, 1830. 

u As some particulars respecting Mr. Pet- 

tengill's sickness, exercises of mind, and death, 
are requested, I will make some brief statements. 
" His health had been declining for about a 
year. The last winter he was unusually solemn, 
and his mind seemed very much engrossed with 
spiritual subjects. He appeared to be preparing 
to leave the world, and had a deep sense of the 
providence of God, especially in appointing all 



246 MEMOIR OF 

his sicknesess and afflictions. His pain for several 
months was severe ; but he endured it with great 
patience. He had a- strong desire to spend every 
day as though it were his last ; and frequently 
said, ' I love my family much, but I think I love 
my God more.' » 

" He was taken sick in March, and failed fast; 
but we had strong hopes of his recovery until 
about the first of August, when his countenance 
had such a death-like appearance, and we saw so 
little prospect of his amendment, that we became 
very much alarmed, and gave up nearly all hope 
of his restoration. He however, still entertained 
some expectation of recovery, not knowing, as he 
said, what should hinder it. 

" During the whole of his sickness, the affairs of 
this world seemed to engage little of his attention. 
His mind appeared to dwell almost entirely on 
things spiritual and eternal.* To a friend he 
once remarked, * I have to day been examining my 



*In a subsequent letter the same writer observes : — " It 
was very painful to him to stop preaching. Indeed, he 
preached several times in opposition to the advice of his 
friends, when he took medicine. The last time he at- 
tempted to go to the meeting-house, he was unable to 
ascend the hill , and was obliged to return. He was 
very particular to his family devotions, when sick. 
When unable to kneel, he would perform sitting ; and 
when unable to sit, he requested hisfami y to be called, 
and led in the customary devotions, while in bed," 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 247 

hope for eternity, and believe that if 1 love any 
thing, I love the Lord Jesus Christ. To a brother 
in the ministry who inquired of him how he did, he 
said, * I am well.' — ■ I should think not very well,' 
was the reply. 4 But,' said he, ' I was going to ex- 
plain myself. I am just as God would have me 
be, and therefore, well.' 

To his daughter who had for some time been 
absent from home, he observed, * I think I shall 
recover ; but if I do not, God will be your Father 
and your friend, provided you trust in him. I 
hope you have chosen him for your portion. Do 
not distress yourself about me : comfort your 
mother. I have had strong confidence that I 
should be restored to this people. They have 
been very kind, and brought me every comfort in 
their power, and I trust God will restore me to 
them ; but 1 do not know : I wish to be entirely 
tranquil.' After some inquiries about his daugh- 
ter's temporal concerns, he said, ' But have you 
enjoyed the presence of God ? This is the chief 
thing ;' and added with great energy, 4 I see 
now more than ever, the importance of religion. 
What miserable, wretched, — wretched beings 
should we be, to die without God. I know the 
gloom of death. I have much to say to you, but 
cannot say it now.' He asked her (o read to him ; 
and she read Doddridge's selection of texts to b» 



248 MEMOIR OF 

recited to the dying Christian. He listened atten- 
tively, and then exclaimed, l Precious texts ! pre- 
cious promises ! I wish to take strong hold of 
them.' 

" The above observations were made by him 
about ten days before his death ; and the follow- 
ing, at intervals, during the six or seven last days 
of his life. 

" * The Lord is near ; I feel that he is near. I 
wish others to feel so too. my Saviour is pre- 
cious to my soul. If I do not love him, I know 
not what I love.' While in great distress, he cried 
out, ' praise the Lord — Praise the Lord in the 
beauty of holiness. Who is he that walkethin 
dm kness, and hath no light ? let him trust in the 
name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. — My 
God, I will not speak ; I will be silent. — It is 
the Lord. — O exalt the Lord, and humble your- 
selves in the dust before him. — The Lord is ex- 
alted, and is offering salvation. — Attend — the 
Lord is calling ! We are miserable, wretched, 
guilty, polluted beings ; and it is of the Lord's 
mercy that we are not consumed. — Go forward, 
straight forward ; press onward. — O take me to 
thy rest, to my home. — Soon I shall be faint ; but 
shall not stop until I get to my rest. Lord be 
merciful unto me, and pardon all my sins, through 
the dear Redeemer. — Lord, we commit ourselves 



AMOS PEITENGILL. 249 

to thee ; and would be still, and know that thou 
art God.'* 

" Two or three days preceding his death, he 
endured great distress, and was unable to say 
much. The day before he died, he appeared to 
be employed in self-examination ; and was heard 
several times to say, ' O my Saviour, am I recon- 
ciled to thee V And shortly after, he said with em- 
phasis, i I am reconciled to thee, my Saviour.' 
At one time he asked what his situation was ; and 
on being told that he was very sick, and could live 
but a short time, he said, ' I think so too ; but my 
trust is in God. O God, into thy hands I com- 
mit my spirit. Glorify thyself, Lord. Bless 
my dear people, my church, my wife, my children 
and my all. I know that my Redeemer liveth. — 
my Saviour ! — Help, Lord, we perish ! — O my 
Father !' 

" Shortly after this, he fell asleep in the arms of 



* About five days before his death, a member of his 
church who had been much with him in his sickness, 
wrote thus to a friend : — " Since the commencement of 
his disease, he has manifested much Christian patience 
and fortitude. His state of mind under severe pains and 
sufferings, has been tranquil, peaceful, and sometimes 
joyful. And I presume that he will lean his fainting 
head, in death, on the bosom of his Saviour." There is 
good reason to be satisfied that the event was in accord- 
ance with the expectation here expressed. 

22 



250 MEMOIR OF 

his Saviour, without a struggle or a groan. — Bles- 
sed are the dead who die in the Lord. 

Hannah Pettengill. 

He ceased to breathe just after twelve o'clock 
Aug. 19, 1830.* The funeral services were at- 
tended the day following, by a large and deeply 
solemn assembly, in which, besides the people of 
his parish, there were united several of his breth- 
ren in the ministry, many persons from the neigh- 
boring towns, and numbers belonging to various 
other denominations of Christians ; and the ex- 
pression of every countenance was, as if a good 
and a great man had fallen in Israel. The office 
of preaching was devolved on the compiler of this 
Memoir, and the text chosen for the melancholy 
occasion was Ps. xvii. 15. "J shall be satisfied t 
when I awake with thy likeness." 

Although from the account which has been given 
of Mr. Pettengill, the reader will have formed a 
pretty clear, and it is believed, a favorable opin- 
ion of his character ; yet it is thought that a few 
remarks serving to present in a connected view, 
some of the more prominent features of the man, 
the Christian and the minister, will tend to produce 
a more distinct and full impression of his worth. 

One of his most obvious and not least valuable 
qualities, was inflexibility of purpose. As he sel- 

* Besides his afflicted widow, Mr. Pettengill left behind 
him a family of four sons and two daughters. 






AMOS PETTENGILL. 251 

dom determined upon an enterprise without suffi- 
cient forethought, so it was rare that he ceased to 
prosecute it, till either it was accomplished, or 
found to be impracticable. And if at the present 
time, when the whole previous process of his mind 
cannot be known, his sudden resolution respecting 
the perusal of the Bible, in his childhood, should 
seem to have been somewhat hasty and capri- 
cious ; still the reasonableness of the undertaking 
was doubtless fully in his view ; and the execution 
of it, in spite of many serious obstacles, besides 
exhibiting unusual susceptibility to the intellectual 
charms of the inspired volume, proved him to be, 
even at that tender age, the master of his own 
mind. So far was this instance of determined 
perseverance from being an unaccountable freak 
of childhood, that it was rather a striking precursor 
of those numberless other unyielding efforts, by 
which he mastered the long series of difficulties that 
waylaid him at every step, in the attainment of his 
education. The foregoing record of events con- 
nected with his ministry, affords many other in- 
stances illustrative of the same trait of character, 
during the period of his professional life. — The 
secret of his singular firmness and energy in pros- 
ecuting his purposes, lay very much in these three 
things, — great considerateness in the selection of 
valuable objects, — a deep sense of the obligation 



•'52 MEMOIR OF 

by which he was bound to do his utmost for the 
attainment of useful ends, and an evangelical wil- 
lingness to suffer the evils incident to the pursuit 
of them. 

He was a man of thought, fond of investigation, 
original in his views, and ingenious in the discus- 
sion of the various subjects which he took in hand. 
His mind was not only capable of very considera- 
ble abstraction, but derived its highest gratification 
from the habitual and close application of its pow- 
ers to subjects of philosophical or moral research. 
Hence it was rarely the case that some one point 
of great importance in a department of sacred or 
secular science, was not uppermost in his mind, as 
a topic of laborious investigation. And when he 
had pushed his researches to the ultimatum of his 
means and abilities ; he extended his inquiries 
>vith similar ardor, to some other matter of per- 
haps equal interest. At no time did his mind 
seem to be unemployed and vacant. This valua- 
ble habit — this almost constant mental absorption 
in the examination of some important subject, was 
one of the principal things that rendered him so 
very useful to his brethren in the ministry. To 
meet with him casually but for a few moments, 
was little less than to insure from his lips the sug- 
gestion of some new theme worthy of considera- 
tion, or some new thoughts respecting an old one. 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 253 

And when he came to the periodical meeting of his 
brethren, there was sure to be no want of import- 
ant subjects to engage attention, and no want of 
general interest in the discussion of them. Of no 
one of those with whom he thus associated, could 
it probably be said with more truth, that he was 
the "life and soul" of the meeting. 

He was in a considerable degree original. But 
his originality was not that of eccentricity. His 
imagination, of which he had a sufficient share, 
made no wild or extravagant sallies. It often 
soared, but its flights were regulated by judgment 
and sobriety. He was not wanting in wit ; but 
he generally labored to repress it ; and when 
indulged, it had neither levity nor coarseness. In 
a word, his originality displayed itself mainly in 
the use of his discussive powers, by which he 
discovered new relations, and exhibited new re- 
sults. 

But he was neither a logical nor a metaphysical 
recluse. He was much abroad among his people ; 
and the character of his mind as devoted to thought 
and investigation, was denoted by the instructive- 
ness of his common conversation. His was not 
the merit of mere abstinence from all lightness 
and vanity, in his social intercourse with mankind. 
His religious principles would have insured this 
negative excellence. Nay, it would have done 
22* 



254 MEMOIR OF 

more ; — it would have led him to converse mainly 
on themes worthy of the intelligence and accoun- 
tableness of the human soul. But he went a step 
beyond this. His ordinary conversation was not 
only kept strictly within the limits of professional 
propriety, as to the nature of the subjects intro- 
duced ; but was uncommonly fitted to impart 
instruction on those subjects. — If others were 
jocular or mirthful, perhaps he would smile ; but 
this was almost invariably the extent of his partici- 
pation in their facetiousness ; and his next effort 
was to recall the attention of the circle to some 
subject of magnitude, and interesting to the under- 
standing or the heart. And on that subject he 
had important inquiries to offer, or useful informa- 
tion to impart. 

As his mind was of a high order, so it was well 
cultivated. His attainments in literature and 
science were very considerable ; and his know- 
ledge of Astronomy in particular, was extensive 
and exact. If the use of the Stellarota is obvious 
to a child ; yet the invention of the instrument 
required an intimate acquaintance with many of 
the most recondite principles of the science.* — 

+ The description already given of this instrument, 
will hardly be thought to supersede the propriety of 
inserting the following account of it, which appeared in 
the " Conn. Journal" of Aug. 18, 1829, and is under- 



AMOS PETTEiNGlLL. 255 

His style of writing was characterised by simplici- 
ty and perspicuity. He had less brilliancy than 
many, others, but possessed much versatility of 
talenty and was fitted to excel in every branch of 
learning that requires depth of thought, and pa- 
tienee of research. He paid no great attention 
to the polish of rhetoric ; but in the best sense of 
the word was a scholar. — His diary while in col- 
lege, is crowded with valuable critical remarks on 
most of the scientific treatises that were studied 
by his class, and on a large number of other 
volumes. In the main they are exceedingly judi- 

stood to have been prepared by the professor of Natural 
Philosophy in one of our principal colleges. 

— "It serves as a cheap but useful substitute for a 
celestial globe. It is a representation of the circles and 
the constellations of the sphere on a plane ; but has this 
advantage, that it is moveable around the centre of 
projection, and is thus susceptible of being adjusted, like 
the celestial globe, so as to correspond to the actual ap- 
pearance of the heavens, at any given moment. Hence 
it affords most of the facilities for studying the constella- 
tions and the doctrines of the sphere, that are afforded by 
the celestial globe. So simple is the instrument, that by 
setting the day on the map against a particular hour or 
minute, it may, at once, be seen what will be the situa- 
tion of the heavens at that moment. Even children can 
understand it, as easily as they can a common map, and 
by its aid, can soon make themselves familiar with the 
signs of the zodiac, the equator, ecliptic, equinoxes, 
tropics, constellations, planets, &c. and tell the exact sit- 
uation of these at every hour. It enables persons to 
understand the principles of a common almanack, and 
the doctrines of the sphere." 



256 MEMOIR OF 

cious, and show that he neither read negligently, 
nor studied superficially. This useful practice, 
begun in the early part of his collegiate course, 
was continued to a considerable extent, during the 
remainder of his life. 

He was eminently meek, affable and mild. 
This was the result, not of natural temperament, 
but of rigid discipline. He represents himself to 
have had in early life, " a fretful and revengeful dis- 
position." But it appears to have received a death- 
blow from an unsparing infliction upon himself 
of penalties incurred by the breach of rules which, 
as has been shown, were rather arbitrarily adopted. 
The mode of discipline was altogether his own, 
and it was successful. He was not without sus- 
ceptibility under ill treatment, and yet abuse 
scarcely ever seemed to irritate him. He had 
provocations ; but they drew no angry expressions 
from his lips, nor impaired the serenity of his 
countenance. Indeed, he excelled in no moral 
quality more than in meekness. The mainte- 
nance of an even temper, doubtless cost him 
many a severe internal struggle ; but this enviable 
state of mind seemed to be altogether a sponta- 
neous suavity. It is not known that he was ever 
betrayed into asperity or moroseness by debate, — 
3 pause which too often kindles a degree of ani- 
Ujosiiy even in holy minds. During his ministry 



AMOS PETTE1NG1LL. 257 

in Champlain, he had occasion to publish two 
discourses on the main subjects in controversy 
between the Baptists, and their Pedobaptist breth- 
ren. And while few have managed the argument 
in favor of infant baptism, and of the mode by 
sprinkling, with more intellectual ability, none 
have conducted it in a manner more calculated 
to conciliate the good will of an opponent. — As 
regards his intercourse with his people, his affa- 
bility and mildness were proverbial. 

What such a man must have been at the head 
of his own family, it is no less pleasant than easy 
to conceive. There is therefore nothing incredi- 
ble in the following description, as given by a 
member of his afflicted household. " He was ever 
the same at home and abroad, uniting the faithful 
pastor, affectionate husband, and the kind parent. 
In his judgment we placed implicit confidence, 
and desired to undertake nothing without his ad- 
vice." 

As a preacher, he was instructive and interest- 
ing. His elocution, though not materially defec- 
tive, had little of the positive gracefulness which 
too often charms the ear, without amending the 
heart. Except when his feelings were depressed 
by ill health, he was sufficiently animated in the 
pulpit; and very frequently he exhibited great 
warmth of emotion. Too often however when 



258 MEMOIR OF 

much excited in the delivery of his discourses, his 
voice was raised to a key that rendered it less 
pleasing, and less impressive. It was from prin- 
ciple, that he rarely attempted to move the pas- 
sions of his audience. His standing aim was to 
reach the heart, through the medium of the under- 
standing. Hence his discourses were chiefly of 
the didactic kind, and closed by formal inferences. 
He was studiously careful to bring out of his 
treasury things new and old. It is believed that 
an unusually large proportion of his subjects 
were of the kind specified ; and even ordinary 
topics, being treated in his own peculiar manner, 
often seemed to be new. His sermons generally, 
whether written or extemporaneous, exhibited 
proof of having been thoroughly studied. They 
were methodical, direct, often original, and always 
easily understood. And on all occasions, whether 
in the pulpit or out of it, he appeared to maintain 
just the gravity and seriousness which comport 
with the solemn office of the Christian ministry. 
And if he was not usually more sedate than some 
others, this only shows that his constitutional 
temperament was proportionably adapted to the 
nature of his holy vocation. There are few, 
whose preaching indicates more profound and 
adoring views, than his did of the sovereignty, rec- 
titudo and glory of God, as displayed by bis uni- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 259 

versal administration, in both the physical and 
moral worlds. 

Such was he as a preacher. And as a pastor 
he was anxious for all his people, and to promote 
the spiritual good of them all, he was unsparing of 
his strength. He possessed one pastoral qualifi- 
cation in which he particularly excelled. Of 
almost every minute portion of the Bible, he 
appeared to have as fresh and exact a remembrance, 
as if he had read it but the hour before. This was 
one of the things which rendered him so peculiarly 
instructive and engaging in those periodical meet- 
ings, in which himself and others were voluntarily 
associated for their mutual improvement as minis- 
ters of the gospel. — Nor did it less eminently fit 
him for great usefulness in his own parish, when- 
ever he had occasion to warn or reprove the 
wicked, to instruct the ignorant, to give advice, to 
strengthen the weak, or to console the afflicted. 
Scarcely couid a case occur among his people, to 
which he was not able immediately to apply 
something from the Scriptures, so analogous, or 
so specially appropiate, as to convey the requisite 
rebuke, caution, encouragement or consolation. 
Indeed so very eminent was he in this respect, 
that no person probably, who has been thoroughly 
acquainted with him, can regard it as invidious 
to say, that few ministers are so able as he wa». 



260 MEMOIR OF 

to adapt, upon a moment's notice, the instructions 
of God's word to the various characters and cir- 
cumstances of their people. 

Such was he as a man of intelligence, as a 
scholar, a preacher and a pastor. But the great 
basis of his moral worth was his piety. That he 
possessed this fundamental quality in an eminent 
degree, is an inference which no candid reader 
can have failed to derive from the general tenor 
of his life, subsequent to his residence at Exeter. 
It was greatly to his credit as a pious youth, that 
while in college he firmly resisted the Arminian 
and Unitarian principles, by which the institution 
had become dreadfully contaminated ; and that he 
was the principal means of collecting his Chris- 
tian brethren weekly, for prayer and religious dis- 
cussion, in spite of the ridicule and contempt that 
were cast upon the measure, by most of his fellow 
students. Numbers of those who were thus asso- 
ciated with him, are still alive ; and some of them 
for a quarter of a century, have been blessing the 
name .of Amos Pettengill. 

It speaks well for his piety too, that he early felt 
for the destitute settlements of the North ; that , 
so long before the enterprize of missions had be- 
come in any degree attractive by its popularity, 
he was willing to go forth into the wilderness, and 
encounter the hardships and privations of a mis- 

] 



AMOS PETTENG1LL. 261 

sionary life ; and that his labors were so abundant 
and so acceptable, that to this day his name, 
throughout the wide region of his travels, is as 
ointment poured forth. Whoever traces his steps 
after he entered the ministry, will find that he seri- 
ously and faithfully preached the gospel, and in a 
good degree, practically exemplified its spirit, by 
his delight in religious conversation, by his meek- 
ness under provocation, by his unrepining submis- 
sion in times of great affliction, by his reverence 
for the Word of God, by his love of revivals and 
efforts to promote them, and in a word, by that 
habitual and absorbing devotedness to his great 
work, which endeared him not only to his people 
and his ministerial brethren, but to all the church- 
es in the vicinity. 

In this connexion, his scrupulous conscientious- 
ness and strict integrity deserve to be mentioned ; 
for although they may exist without vital piety, they 
are seldom, and probably never, exhibited so inva- 
riably, except as the result of religion in the heart. 
It does not appear that any circumstances in which 
he was placed, especially after he entered the 
ministry, ever induced him to swerve in his con- 
duct, from a rigid conformity to religious principle. 
One striking illustration of his moral integrity in a 
case of special interest, is worthy to be stated.— 

During the very month in which his last sickness 
23 



262 MEMOIR OF 

commenced, he was employed before a neighboring 
church, as an advocate in the cause of a member 
under censure. He soon perceived from the evi- 
dence presented, that the person accused was cul- 
pable. But in his plea, he neither denied nor 
palliated the evident misconduct of the offending 
brother ; but honestly admitted it ; and then, by 
faithfully laboring with him a while in private, 
prevailed on him to confess to the church the truth 
of the main charges brought against him. Thus 
the delinquent brother was gained, and peace 
restored to the church. In this manner, he did 
far more for the cause of truth and righteousness 
than he could possibly have done, had he been 
employed to support the allegations of the com- 
plainant. Truth was dearer to his heart than the 
applause of his client ; and were this the paramount 
object of all advocates before ecclesiastical judica- 
tories, what a world of evils would be obviated, 
and what a vast amount of positive good would be 
produced ! 

Perhaps a more just summary description of Mr. 
Pettengill's character, cannot be given than is con- 
tained in a letter from the editor of one of our 
most useful religious periodicals. It is the more 
valuable, not only as the writer was intimately 
acquainted with him, but as it occurs incidentally 
in a letter on business, and was altogether unso- 



AMOS PETTENGILL. 263 

licited. — " He deserves to be held in remembrance 
for his piety, his firm attachment to the doctrines 
of our church, his sincere regard to the truth and 
hatred of error, as well as for his talents, and 
acquisitions in theology and science." 

If the foregoing Memoir shall draw the atten- 
tion of children to the Bible, and lead them to 
become " mighty in the Scriptures," as the surest 
means of attaining intellectual and moral worth ; — 
if it shall put persons under serious impressions 
on their guard against formalism, the raptures of 
enthusiasm, and seclusion from the people of 
God; — if it shall encourage young and indigent 
aspirants after knowledge to press on with economy, 
self-government, and a devout reliance on Provi- 
dence ; — if it shall induce the pious members of- 
our colleges to make each other's spiritual pros- 
perity a cardinal object, and to put forth unwearied 
efforts to counteract error and vice in halls conse- 
crated to the interests of religion and science ; — 
if it shall help to increase the piety and faithful- 
ness of surviving ministers, during the brief period 
of their labors for Christ and their people ; — if it 
shall recall to the minds of those whom Mr. Pet- 
tengill successively served in the Lord, the recol- 
lection of his virtues and instructions, and thus 
incite them to greater diligence in preparing to 



/ 

264 AMOS PET* JIN GILL. 

meet him in glory ; — in a word, if it shall serve to 
fasten upon any into whose hands it may fall, an 
availing conviction that time is short, the world 
vain, and religion above all price, — then the main 
design of these sheets will be effected, and the 
feeble service of the Compiler amply compensated, 






THE END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 222 281 4 



